The intent and purpose of the Brown Act is to ensure that "actions (of local legislative bodies) be taken openly and that their deliberations be conducted openly." (Government Code Section 54950) The general rule of the act is contained in Section 54953 which declares "All meetings of the legislative body of a local agency shall be open and public..." The Education Code also requires that, with limited exceptions, school board meetings be open to the public. (Education Code Section 35145)