Stop. Hold on. Just wait.

That’s the best advice we can offer to elected officials in Poland.

In recent weeks, it has become clear that the majority of the town’s selectmen and School Committee members do not fully understand Maine’s Freedom of Access laws.

The problem is not confined to just Poland. Mexico and Hartford have also recently tested the bounds of FOA laws concerning important public documents and meetings.

Just Wednesday night, the Poland School Committee went into a questionable executive session. Selectmen have done the same thing, holding three similar executive sessions in the past two months. Diligent selectmen and School Committee members balked at the closed meetings, but they still went forward.

It’s too bad their colleagues didn’t listen because the public was unnecessarily excluded from the process.

Poland selectmen have now recognized they don’t have a clear understanding of the law and have planned a workshop for Tuesday to become better informed. Such a move shows an earnest commitment to the principles of open government. We’re greatly encouraged by the board’s move and encourage it to extend an invitation to the School Committee members and the public so they, too, can gain a better understanding of FOA laws

Maine’s Freedom of Access laws require all government actions to be taken in public, guarantee access to governmental records and place strict limitations on what matters can be discussed in executive sessions.

Before going into executive session, elected boards must cite the specific exemption in Maine’s Right to Know Law that allows for the closed meeting. A three-fifths vote is required to convene an executive session and only the announced topics can be discussed in it. No action can be legally taken behind closed doors.

The biggest problem with FOA laws is a lack of understanding on the part of elected officials, government employees and members of the public. We sincerely hope that Tuesday’s workshop will provide the foundation for Poland to better comply with the law. It’s certainly a good way to start.