Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Transparency Student Safety topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Public commenters press Quillayute Valley board for transparency after lawsuits and alleged student assaults
Summary
Several residents told the Quillayute Valley School District board the community has been kept in the dark about settlements and student-safety incidents, citing a recent court award and rising insurance costs as evidence and urging policy changes and public communication.
Several community members used the board's public-comment period to press the Quillayute Valley School District for greater transparency around settlements and student-safety concerns.
Rod Larson told the board that a "culture of silence" has grown around confidentiality agreements and cash settlements, and cited a "45%" rise in the district's risk-management pool costs as evidence of continuing problems. "Justice shrouded in silence," Larson said, urging the board to "face reality, communicate with the public, admit to failings, seek solutions," and solicit outside help.
Megan Hearns said she removed her children from district schools because of safety and lack of information and asked the board for a public timeline for a judicial process she referenced. "I encourage the board ... not to increase the superintendent's rate of pay until you have confirmed she is upholding her contract," Hearns said.
Other commenters described personal harassment and threats after participating in litigation involving the district. "Since the hearing ... I actually seek protection for myself," a speaker who identified as Danielle said, saying she had received threats and stalking after testifying.
The board listened during the comment period and declined to take immediate action at the meeting; members said several items raised would be discussed further under reports and agenda items this evening.
