The Iowa Public Information Board
In re the Matter of: Jeff Law and Kourtnee Mammen, Complainants And Concerning: River Valley School Board, Respondent |
Case Number: 23FC:0105 Informal Resolution and Final Report
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COMES NOW, Erika Eckley, Executive Director for the Iowa Public Information Board (IPIB), and enters this Informal Resolution and Final Report:
On October 29, 2023, Jeff Law and Kourtnee Mammen (“Complainants”) filed formal complaint 23FC:0105, alleging that River Valley School Board (“Board”) violated Iowa Code chapter 21.
Facts
Complainants allege River Valley School Board had a Board meeting and took a vote on October 16, 2023, to establish sports-sharing activities with the Kingsley Pierson School District (“KPSD”). They allege considering the sport-sharing with KPSD was a very secretive process pushed by a small number of individuals, including two members of the Board. The Complainants allege the vote by the Board on October 16, 2023, was illegitimate because 1) the agenda was not physically posted anywhere (except on the website); 2) the agenda was posted online at 5:00 on Sunday; 3) the agenda posted on Sunday did not have any mention of any kind of sports discussion, let alone a vote; and 4) it was discovered that, someone associated with the Board, modified the agenda after the meeting to include sports sharing with KPSD and there was no vote by the Board at the meeting to change the agenda.
They provided the following additional context. The week prior to the Board meeting there was a meeting with two of the Board members and two of KPSD's members. There were rumors going around among the volleyball athlete's parents about the potential for sports sharing, but no announcements were made to the public. Mr. Law discussed the matter with two of the Board members on Friday, October 13 but neither confirmed the fact they were planning a vote for the meeting on the 16th.
On the day of the Board meeting there were over 100 concerned parents and students in attendance. At the end of the meeting the Board voted to approve sports-sharing. Complainants further allege the vote included no stipulations any high school sports would remain in Correctionville. They are upset the change is scheduled to begin immediately, even though River Valley had coaches and players lined up for the basketball season and people donated $5,000 for new jerseys for the high school girls.
In response, the Board admits that no agenda was physically posted, but that they substantially complied with the notice requirement because the agenda was emailed out and posted on the District’s website. Further, the Board has taken steps to ensure that physical notices are posted moving forward.
The Iowa Public Information Board (IPIB) accepted the complaint on January 18, 2024. Pursuant to Iowa Code section 23.9, the parties have agreed upon the following terms for an informal resolution of this matter:
- The Board acknowledges that for the meeting on October 16, 2023, IPIB has decided that the Board agenda was posted on the District website, but not physically posted, 24 hours prior to the meeting and that the agenda item concerning sports sharing could have bene more descriptive.
- The Board will conduct Open Meetings and Public Records training at an open meeting with notice to the public. This training will be conducted by the Iowa Association of School Boards or the Iowa Public Information Board. This will be scheduled by the Board.
- The Board will review its policies and procedures for providing notice and setting agenda and make any necessary changes.
- The Board will reconsider its sports sharing decision at a Board meeting after appropriate notice and clearly stated on the Board’s agenda.
- The Board will approve this agreement at an open meeting and provide a copy of this Informal Resolution with its meeting minutes.
The District signed the Agreement on April 15, 2024, and Ms. Mammen signed on March 26, 2024. Mr. Law has not been in communication with IPIB. All parties had 60 days to meet the terms of this resolution.
The District reconsidered the sports sharing issues at a properly noticed meeting on January 15, 2024, with proof of physically posting the agenda at least 24 hours in advance of the meeting. The agenda clearly stated that the Board would be considering the sharing of athletics with Kingsley-Pierson school district. The Iowa Association of School Boards provided training to the District on April 15, 2024. The District approved the informal resolution at its April 15, 2024, Board meeting.
The terms of the informal resolution address the matters presented in this Complaint. The Board should approve the Informal Resolution. Further, proof of compliance has been provided. Therefore, the IPIB should dismiss this complaint as successfully resolved.
By the IPIB Executive Director
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Erika Eckley, J.D.