Rockland board approves Liberty Justice Center to appeal PERB ruling on parental-notification policy

The Rockland Unified School District Board of Trustees approved a legal services agreement with the Liberty Justice Center to appeal a Jan. 28 Public Employment Relations Board ruling concerning the district's parental-notification policy.

Superintendent Stock told trustees the Liberty Justice Center would provide pro bono appellate counsel to pursue an appeal of PERB case SA-CE-3136e, and that district counsel had described any direct litigation costs to the district as "minimal" — "several thousand dollars, likely less than $10,000," he said.

The decision followed extended discussion at the March 5 meeting. Trustee Michelle Sutherland said she did not support the appeal, calling it a distraction from district priorities such as academics, facilities and student supports. "I cannot support drawing these proceedings out any longer," she said, arguing the dispute consumes staff time and community attention.

Supporters said the vote was intended to defend parents' statutory or constitutional rights and to resolve conflicting guidance the district had received from the California Department of Education. Trustee Derek Counter and others said the policy was written to make clear that parents are notified after a student requests certain record changes. "It is to notify the parent of a record change, which has been very consistent with the law of the land for our parents," one trustee said in defense of the policy.

Public comment was divided. Jeremy Waddell, a Rockland teacher and bargaining-team member, warned the board that the district was likely to lose under current law and that a loss could trigger financial exposure despite pro bono counsel: "This is free as long as you win," he said, pointing to contract language that exempts the firm from liability for adverse-fee awards. Several parents, including Sandra Marquez and Price Johnson, urged the board to defend parental notification rights and applauded trustees for pursuing an appeal.

After public comment and trustee replies, Trustee Derek Counter moved to approve the agreement; Trustee Julie Hepp seconded. The motion passed on roll-call vote with one no vote recorded. Trustee Sutherland voted no; the remaining trustees voted yes.

What happens next: the board authorized the superintendent to execute the pro bono agreement and pursue the appeal. Trustees said they expect to monitor any potential costs and that staff will report back if circumstances change.

Votes at a glance: Motion to approve legal services agreement with Liberty Justice Center — Approved (roll-call; majority yes; one no).