What document must be provided to an employee before discussing personnel matters in an Executive Session?

The requirement to provide a Rice Notice before discussing personnel matters in an Executive Session is rooted in the New Jersey Open Public Meetings Act (OPMA). This notice serves as a formal notification that an employee's rights may be discussed in a closed meeting, thereby allowing the employee the opportunity to request that the discussion occur in public. The intent behind this requirement is to ensure transparency and protect the privacy rights of individuals involved in personnel matters.

By issuing a Rice Notice, the governing body acknowledges the importance of respecting an employee's right to be informed about potential discussions that could affect them personally. This action underscores the ethical obligation to maintain a balance between the need for confidentiality in certain aspects of personnel matters and the employee's right to participate in discussions about their employment. All of this aligns with the principles of transparency and accountability that are paramount in public service, particularly in contexts involving sensitive issues like personnel.

The other documents listed, such as the meeting agenda, minutes of the previous meeting, and policy handbook, do not specifically serve this critical role in relation to personnel discussions and do not provide the necessary notice as required by law.