Quillayute Valley School Board Meets Behind Closed Doors
The Quillayute Valley School District Board of Directors convened Wednesday afternoon for a special meeting, spending approximately 80 minutes in private deliberation before adjourning without taking any official action or providing details regarding the matters discussed.
The portion of the meeting open to the public lasted only about two minutes. Following the Pledge of Allegiance, the board approved the agenda via voice vote and immediately transitioned into executive session.
After one hour, the board briefly returned to open session to announce a need for an additional 20 minutes of private discussion. Members reconvened in open session at approximately 1:25 PM.
Upon returning to the public meeting, the board stated that no decisions had been reached and that no decisions would be made during that session.
The gathering occurred three months after a federal jury in Tacoma ruled the district liable for creating a hostile work environment for a former assistant cross-country coach, awarding $250,000 in damages under the Washington Law Against Discrimination.
The same jury determined the district and a former head coach were not liable for retaliation, while clearing the Athletic Director and Title IX Coordinator of negligent supervision and retention claims.
Since the verdict issued in April, community members have frequently utilized public comment periods during regular board meetings to demand transparency and question the administration's supervision of coaches and staff. Wednesday's special meeting did not provide an opportunity for public comment, and the board's brief statements offered no insight into how or if it plans to respond to the verdict.
Any action resulting from Wednesday's closed-door discussions must occur during a future open meeting. The publication will continue to monitor district agendas to report on any subsequent actions.