Complaints against Red Oak school board dismissed

Two complaints with the Iowa Public Information Board against the Red Oak school board were dismissed last week. 

The complaints were filed by Margaret Stoldorf in February alleging the board did not comply with open meetings laws on two separate occasions. 

On Jan. 30, a facilities and operations subcommittee meeting was held to interview candidates for construction management services. Two board members were present. 

According to the report posted by Margaret Johnson, deputy director of IPIB, “further investigation of the nature and purpose of this committee confirms that this subcommittee does not meet the definition of a governmental body.”

Johnson reported that because the subcommittee wasn’t created by statute of executive order, wasn’t a political subdivision or wasn’t “formally or directly” created by “one of more boards, councils, commissions or other governing bodies,” the board members could not be found at fault. 

The second complaint came from a Jan. 5 School Improvement Advisory Committee meeting. 

The allegation came from the fact the school sent out notice to media contacts only nine hours before the meeting. A notice was posted at the school on Dec. 31; however, the school was closed on Jan. 1-4, so the notice to media went out the morning of the meeting. 

Since SIAC can be considered a governmental body, Johnson said the responsibility would fall on the SIAC, not the school board.

The complaint was dismissed due to lack of probable cause. 

To read the full report, go to ipib.iowa.gov/node/355.