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Gresham-Barlow board authorizes chair to hire investigator for public complaints
Summary
At its Dec. 11 special work session, the Gresham-Barlow School District board voted 5–1 to delegate authority to the board chair to retain an investigator to review public "KL" complaints after debate over hearing versus investigation options.
The Gresham-Barlow School District Board of Directors voted 5–1 on Dec. 11, 2025 to authorize the board chair to retain an investigator to examine public "KL" complaints. MOTION 41, made by Director Kris Howatt and seconded by Director Shawn Farrens, carried with Aye votes from Heather Coleman-Cox, Shawn Farrens, Blake Petersen, Brenna Puderbaugh and Holly Riegelmann; Director Kris Howatt was recorded as the lone No vote.
The action followed a discussion about alternatives for handling the complaints. Board members debated holding a hearing under "option 3" versus engaging a third-party investigator; some said a third-party review could reduce concerns about the chair making hearing decisions. The board also discussed expense comparisons and timing. It was clarified during the meeting that the referenced 30-day timeline comprises 30 working days that begin after an investigation is completed. After the vote the board asked whether members could contact parties involved; the board was told they may do so as private citizens but not in their official capacity.
