What type of materials must be included in the official record by the Board?

The official record maintained by the Board must include pleadings and testimonies as they are crucial components that document the proceedings of the case. Pleadings outline the claims and defenses that the parties present, while testimonies provide the oral evidence given by witnesses during the hearing or trial. Together, these elements form the foundational narrative of the case, making them essential for the Board to uphold due process and ensure that all relevant information regarding the case is recorded.

In contrast, decision documents are important, but they do not encapsulate the complete process by themselves, as they primarily summarize the conclusions reached rather than the arguments and evidence presented. Exhibits may be important for proving specific facts, but they typically accompany pleadings and testimonies rather than replace them in the official record. Private notes and external correspondence are generally not included in the official record, as they do not constitute formal evidentiary material and could introduce privacy concerns or potential bias. Therefore, the necessity for the inclusion of pleadings and testimonies aligns with the principles of transparency and thorough documentation in administrative proceedings.