IPIB delays decision on complaints against Red Oak school board

DES MOINES – The Iowa Public Information Board has postponed a decision on three complaints filed against the Red Oak School Board accusing it of violating open meetings law.

The IPIB directed staff to further research, specifically to listen to tapes of an April meeting regarding whether the board voted to go into closed session. 

In its investigation, the IPIB staff determined the board's posted minutes did not reflect a necessary roll call vote occurred. The district has since provided a tape indicating the vote did occur. IPIB Deputy Director said the first tape she listened to contained extensive background noise, which prevented her from determining if the vote occurred. 

Board President Lee Fellers, who attended Thursday's meeting, said in an interview with the Express that when he returned from Des Moines, he personally listened to the tape again, confirming the needed roll call vote occurred. He said the tape the IPIB had was of poor quality and that a better version will be provided for additional review. 

Based on the incorrect minutes, the IPIB investigation found probable cause the board violated open meetings laws regarding closed sessions and posting accurate agendas at two April board meetings.

Don Rogerson and Jedd Sherman filed complaints regarding those meetings, while Margaret Stoldorf filed a third complaint accusing the board of posting another incomplete agenda at a June 30 meeting.

The three complaints will be further discussed at the IPIB’s October meeting.

Fellers and Stoldorf both attended the meeting, along with board member Kathy Walker. 

A more detailed story will be published in next week’s Red Oak Express, including comments from IPIB members and a reversal on the Red Oak school  board's part regarding its willingness to admit a mistake was made and seek an informal resolution to all three complaints.