Quillayute Valley School Board Again Declines Public Comment on Controversy

The Quillayute Valley School Board offered no substantive public response October 13 as community members urged the board to withdraw its statement regarding the Kari Larson lawsuit, finish an internal misconduct inquiry, and hold administrators accountable.

During the meeting, five of six individuals who spoke addressed accountability, institutional misconduct, or procedural changes. The sole dissenting voice came from an administrative assistant to teaching and learning in the district office, who praised the directors' character and commitment to community service.

Following the public comments, Board Chair Bill Rohde acknowledged the speakers and transitioned the meeting to a scheduled transportation presentation. No vote was taken regarding the retraction of the board's previous statement. Later, after convening in executive session near the conclusion of the gathering, the board reconvened and reported that no action was required.

The ongoing dispute stems from an August 25 statement issued by the board and read aloud by Rohde with the board's approval. Earlier reporting noted the statement emphasized findings that favored the defendants. Conversely, jurors determined the district was liable for fostering a hostile work environment, in violation of the Washington Law Against Discrimination.

The litigation involved allegations brought by a former assistant cross-country coach, who claimed a specific individual subjected her to unwanted physical contact, offensive messages, and sexually suggestive remarks. The accused individual denied these claims.

Jurors determined the former coach was entitled to $250,000. Following a reduction of $240 for failure to mitigate damages, the total was set at $249,760. The jury rejected claims of retaliation against the district and the accused individual, as well as allegations regarding negligent supervision and retention.

A satisfaction of judgment filed July 2 confirmed the district paid $765,834.77. This amount covered judgments, interest, court costs, and attorney fees.

An administrative assistant addressed the board, expressing gratitude for their continued service despite facing criticism regarding their character. She cited their volunteer efforts in youth sports, churches, emergency services, and other community organizations.

Records filed with the Clallam County Auditor indicate the speaker is married to a member of the board.

“Good character isn't defined by what people say about us,” the speaker stated, adding that it is demonstrated through how people live, serve and treat others.

She characterized her remarks as observations from a community member.

Her address was situated between calls for renewed action and accusations that the board was engaging in victim shaming.

One speaker called for the board to rescind its statement, complete its investigation, and dismiss the accused individual. She accused the district of discrimination, coverups and retaliation and urged it to examine how it reached this point and change its culture.

Another speaker questioned the length and cost of the accused individual’s paid administrative leave. She asked why Larson and her family had not received an apology and offered one herself.

A speaker who opened public comment stated that the verdict should carry consequences for administrators. He said speakers had repeatedly sought a review of policies, procedures, training and supervision to identify failures and prevent them from recurring.

Another individual stated that Kari Larson’s Title IX complaint remained unresolved nearly three years after it was filed. She said Kari had never received written notice explaining an extension and urged the district to complete the process.

A speaker read from Charol Shakeshaft’s book, Organizational Betrayal: How Schools Enable Sexual Misconduct and How to Stop It . The passage called for schools to examine their practices and protect people who report concerns from retaliation.

Speakers had also sought a retraction at the September 8 and September 22 meetings . Neither produced a vote to retract the statement.

The district clarified in its August communication that it aimed to transparently address a personnel matter without downplaying its significance, though the specific individual involved was not named. No major public progress updates followed from the board on this matter through the October 13 meeting.

Other items on the agenda included adoption of Policy 3115, which establishes enrollment rights and support services for students without stable housing. The board also endorsed a resolution promoting safe walking and biking routes to schools and passed its consent agenda without opposition. Presentations were delivered on current transportation operations and on performance metrics for Insight School of Washington.

Superintendent Diana Reaume presented a timeline for the $55 million project to replace Forks Middle School. Should voters OK the bond measure, construction is projected to start in summer 2028, with the new facility opening to students in fall 2029. In the interim, middle school classes would be accommodated within the existing elementary and high school campuses.

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