OSHKOSH, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) – A complaint alleging a violation of the Open Meetings Law has been filed against the Oshkosh school district regarding a heated session in August.
Parents upset with a mask mandate declined to wear masks for the meeting, eventually prompting the school board to postpone the session.
But it’s time in between — when the Wisconsin Transparency Project alleges school board members met privately in the superintendent’s office before returning to the public to announce the postponement — which is the subject of the complaint.
“The board’s meeting in the superintendent’s office was a blatant violation of the Open Meetings Law. They failed to convene in open session first, failed to follow procedural requirements for going into closed session, and had no lawful reason for holding a closed session,” said Tom Kamenick, president of the Wisconsin Transparency Project.
The office of Winnebago County District Attorney Christian Gossett confirmed receipt of the complaint, but offered no timeline for a decision.
The Oshkosh school district issued this statement: “As a District, we are committed to compliance with the Open Meetings Law and ensuring that the public’s rights are respected. While we have not received notice of any complaint from the Winnebago County District Attorney’s office, we are aware that a complaint has been filed by the Wisconsin Transparency Project. We are committed to working with the district attorney on any details as/if needed.”
The August disruption was cited in a National School Boards Association letter to President Joe Biden asking for federal help dealing with threats and intimidation of school boards.
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