Parents and civic groups press board on special‑education problems and alleged staff misconduct
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Summary
Multiple public commenters accused the district of special‑education compliance failures and named the acting superintendent in complaints; the board and speakers debated whether the board should act while litigation and investigations continue.
During the public‑comment period, several residents raised separate but overlapping concerns about district operations and personnel.
Ashley Meyer said her son's individualized education program had been altered "without permission," that the district took more than a month to correct a one‑sentence change, and that she filed due process on Nov. 3 to remedy the issue. She urged the board to improve special‑education compliance and communication.
Richard Bidnick, chair of Lacey Citizens for Responsible Government, said he had filed a formal complaint against the acting superintendent concerning conduct at an October meeting and alleged multiple parents and students have named the acting superintendent in related complaints. Bidnick criticized a proposed resolution that would affirm the board's executive‑session deliberations as OPMA‑compliant while the same questions are before a judge, calling it "self adjudication."
Board members and staff responded in part during the meeting. A board member noted the settlement agreement referenced by a commenter involved "no payment of any money by the board." The board president and members repeatedly warned public speakers that personal or defamatory claims about students or personnel would not be entertained in public comment and that personnel and student matters are handled confidentially or through the appropriate administrative chain.
The meeting captured strong community divisions: some speakers urged restraint and deference to the court, while others defended frequent public inquiries and said repeated complaints reflected efforts to hold the board accountable. The board encouraged use of the proper administrative channels for operational complaints and emphasized civil discourse during public meetings.
Next steps: No formal disciplinary actions or personnel votes were taken on these allegations in this meeting; several speakers said they have or will pursue legal or administrative remedies outside the public meeting process.