Joshua D. Bonn Secures Settlement in Sunshine Act Litigation Against Mifflinburg Area School District
In a significant matter involving the Pennsylvania Sunshine Act, Cohen Seglias partner Joshua Bonn represented Brittany Baker, a Mifflinburg Area School District resident and parent of a former student, in litigation challenging the School Board’s lack of transparency. The case arose from allegations that the Board changed its face, covering policy outside of a public meeting and holding subsequent monthly business meetings remotely to avoid public scrutiny, violating the Act’s requirements for open and public decision-making.
Case Overview
The Pennsylvania Sunshine Act, 65 Pa.C.S. §§ 701-716, mandates that public agencies deliberate and take official action in meetings that allow public attendance, participation, and comment. Ms. Baker’s complaint asserted that the School Board violated these requirements, impacting her ability to engage in decisions directly affecting her child.
As litigation progressed, the School Board reversed its face-covering policy and resumed in-person meetings, signaling the importance of public accountability. The District’s attempts to dismiss the case were unsuccessful, and the matter advanced toward trial. On the eve of the trial, the District reached a settlement with Ms. Baker, agreeing to pay $28,630.27 to cover her full legal fees and costs.
While the defendants, including several School Board members and the former Superintendent, denied liability, the settlement underscores the financial risks and public trust issues associated with Sunshine Act violations.
About Josh Bonn
Josh, a partner and civil litigator in Cohen Seglias’ Harrisburg office, is a member of the firm’s Media Law & Right-to-Know Group. Recognized for its work on Sunshine Act and Pennsylvania Right-to-Know Law matters, the Group represents clients in appeals and mediations across Pennsylvania courts and the Office of Open Records. Josh and the Group are committed to ensuring transparency and protecting the public’s right to participate in government decision-making.
