Formal Complaint Filed Over Executive Session Violations

By Sarah Cooper
Newberg, OR June 21, 2024

A formal complaint has been lodged against the Board of Directors of Newberg Public Schools regarding an executive session held on June 11, 2024. The complaint, submitted by Rebecca Wallis, who attended the session as a member of the media, alleges that the Board violated Oregon Revised Statutes (ORS) 192.660 by discussing topics not listed on the revised agenda during the executive session. Despite this, she maintains confidentiality regarding the session she attended.

Key Allegations:

• Improper Discussion in Executive Session: The Board is accused of discussing topics not included in the executive session revised notice. According to Wallis, this action contravenes guidelines that stipulate specific subjects permissible for executive session discussions, such as employment of public officers, dismissal or discipline of public officers, labor negotiations, real property transactions, and litigation consultations.
• Lack of Proper Notice: Wallis asserts that the topics discussed were not adequately noticed on the revised agenda and were not read aloud during the open meeting before the executive session began. This omission potentially undermines public trust and transparency as mandated by the Oregon Public Meetings Law.
• Violation of Public Comment Rights: The complaint highlights that the public was not given an opportunity to comment on the hiring of an executive employee, a requirement for transparency and public participation in such decisions.

Wallis consulted with legal counsel before filing the complaint and refrained from reporting any details learned during the executive session. She emphasized the importance of adhering to proper procedures and transparency to maintain public trust. Mrs. Wallis, known for advocating free speech, also supports adherence to confidentiality protocols by the media attending executive sessions to ensure governmental compliance with all relevant laws within their jurisdiction.

Supporting Documentation submitted with the complaint:

• Policy BDC
• Agenda and Revised Agenda for June 11, 2024
• Resolution 2024-04
• Radich Employment Contract
• Relevant legal guidelines from the Oregon School Boards Association and the Oregon Department of Justice via the links below.

For more details on the merit of the complaint and related documentation, visit the official websites provided by Wallis:

• OSBA Executive Sessions Guide
• Oregon DOJ Public Records and Meetings Manual

This article summarizes a formal complaint concerning adherence to legal statutes during executive sessions. It underscores the necessity for public entities to follow established procedures to ensure transparency and public involvement in decision-making processes.

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