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Public commenter alleges delays and misdirection in district investigation; board offers no response at meeting
Summary
A public commenter accused the district of delaying and narrowing an investigation into alleged violations involving a staff member, saying documents were released only after repeated FOIA requests; the board did not address the complaint during the meeting.
During the public-comment period of the March 17 meeting, resident Josie DeVries said the district mishandled an investigation into alleged misconduct by a staff member identified in her comments as "Hannah," and urged the district to be more forthright.
DeVries said the district initially told the public the violations were unsubstantiated but that a later district document showed they did occur. "On January 26, the district released the outcome of the investigation. Superintendent Rumbaugh ordered the public was told the violations against Hannah were not substantiated," DeVries said, and added she believed the district's investigation focus and public messaging minimized child and staff safety concerns. She also alleged key records were released only after repeated Freedom of Information Act requests.
Board rules state that public comments do not generate discussion during the meeting; the chair thanked DeVries for her remarks and moved on to the next agenda item. No district representative offered a response or clarification at the meeting.
The board has avenues to follow up after the meeting; any formal response or investigation records would come through the district's public records process and administrative channels.
