During a recent government meeting, significant concerns were raised regarding the actions of the Gilbert Law Firm and potential violations of open meeting laws within the Douglas County School District. A board member publicly defended their integrity after being accused of dishonesty, asserting that the law firm had engaged in unauthorized work related to policy revisions without proper authorization from the superintendent or the board. The member emphasized that thousands of dollars were spent on these policies, which they deemed inappropriate given the lack of oversight.
Rob Lehman, a concerned parent, also addressed the board, highlighting what he described as a misunderstanding of open meeting laws. He referenced a statement from the attorney general indicating that a previous incident was a \"close call\" regarding legal violations. Lehman argued that the board's actions had indeed caused harm by limiting public participation in governmental processes. He stressed that any gathering of four or more board members discussing district matters outside of a formal meeting constitutes a violation, regardless of whether decisions are being made.
The meeting concluded with a supportive comment from another attendee, who praised a board member for their commitment to traditional education. The discussions reflect ongoing tensions within the school district regarding governance, transparency, and adherence to legal protocols.