In a disturbing development over the past several months, the Minneapolis and St. Paul school boards closed meetings to the news media and public — both in the name of "team building." They conducted the gatherings behind closed doors, citing a November state Department of Administration decision that allows closed meetings designed to improve "trust, relationships and communications."

But that's not the way elected bodies should operate. Denying public access violates the intent of Minnesota's open meeting law. Even when board members meet for "can't we all get along" sessions, school business can be conducted — and constituents deserve to see the process.

That's why a bill to clarify and strengthen current law merits approval. The Minnesota Coalition on Government Information (MNCOGI) is rightly urging passage of a measure that would add the state Supreme Court definition of a "meeting" (gathering of a quorum or more members) to the law, while excluding the words that St. Paul used to avoid opening its meetings (official business).

Several months ago, the St. Paul school board requested the Department of Administration ruling so the board could meet privately with facilitators to work on relationships and communication. In response, a state administrator agreed and said the body could meet behind closed doors for "collective problem solving." And that, in our view, means some school business could be conducted.

Understandably, there are some times when governing bodies must temporarily close meetings. Current law allows it for reasons such as labor negotiations and personnel matters that could violate employee or student privacy rights.

In negotiations about the bill now before the Legislature, other exceptions have been discussed — including excluding situations such as "chance encounters" or "purely social functions." That's fine.

However, as MNCOGI members argue, when there is conflict among elected officials, it's even more important for citizens to see how decisions are made. Understanding how board members work together helps voters make choices during elections. And a well-informed electorate is an important component of a strong democracy — and strong public schools.