Liberty Elementary board authorizes counsel to negotiate settlement in employment matter; Zimmerman objects

The Liberty Elementary School District Governing Board on May 27 voted 4-1 to authorize the district’s legal counsel to negotiate a settlement related to the employment of Dr. Court Monroe and granted President Michael Todd authority to sign any agreement reached.

Board members called and held an executive session under Arizona Revised Statutes § 38-431.03(A)(3) and (4) earlier in the meeting to receive legal advice and to instruct attorneys about the district’s position on potential litigation and contract negotiations involving Dr. Monroe. The board returned to open session before taking the authorization vote.

Vice President Kenyon made the motion, which was seconded by Board Member Schmidt. The roll call on the authorization was: Board Member Schmidt, aye; Board Member Zimmerman, nay; Vice President Kenyon, aye; Board Member Srincioni, aye; President Michael Todd, aye. The board announced the result as 4 yes, 1 no; the motion carried.

Board Member Zimmerman explained her dissent in open session, saying, “I am not in agreement with the terms that were directed to legal counsel in executive session.” The board did not disclose the settlement terms or the details of the instructions given to counsel in public session.

The board first voted 5-0 to enter executive session under ARS § 38-431.03; the district recorded the executive session start time and later returned to general session prior to the authorization vote. The motion authorizes counsel to negotiate a settlement as directed in executive session and authorizes President Todd to sign on behalf of the board. No further specifics about the settlement, monetary amounts, or timelines were provided in open session.

The board did not identify any next public steps or set dates for further public reporting on the matter during the meeting.