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Board confirms ratification of NAACP lawsuit settlement approved in closed session
Summary
The board voted to confirm a previously ratified settlement and release in the multi‑party federal lawsuit brought by the Wicomico County branch of the NAACP; the agreement had been approved in confidential court‑ordered mediation and reported jointly to the court.
The Wicomico County Board of Education on Wednesday confirmed its prior closed‑session ratification of a settlement arising from the multi‑party federal lawsuit styled Wicomico County Branch of the NAACP et al v. Wicomico County, Maryland et al.
Board attorney Darren Burns said the board had previously voted in closed session to ratify a settlement agreement and release resulting from confidential court‑ordered mediation in the case (Civil Action No. 123CV03325MJM). Burns told the board the settlement "has since been approved by all plaintiffs and all defendants and jointly reported as such to the court." He recommended the board confirm its prior actions so the agreement "may be executed on behalf of the board, vice chair and superintendent."
The board then voted to confirm its prior ratification. In roll call, Mr. Palmer said he sought to confirm his prior "no" vote; Miss Hazel voted yes; Mr. Plots voted aye; Mrs. Beauchamp voted no; Mr. Brown voted aye; Dr. Ennis voted aye; the chair voted aye. The chair announced the motion carried.
Why it matters: Confirming the ratification allows school officials to execute the settlement agreement on behalf of the board. Board counsel presented the matter for confirmation during the open meeting after the prior confidential action in closed session.
The board did not disclose the settlement terms during the open meeting.
