Chaos Erupts At Western Heights Board Meeting

Chaos and confusion broke out Monday night at the Western Heights School Board meeting.

Tuesday, September 14th 2021, 4:52 pm



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Chaos and confusion broke out Monday night at the Western Heights School Board meeting.

A big reason, the state's appointed Superintendent Monty Guthrie and the School Board President Robert Everman posted two different agendas.

The district was taken over by the state back in July.

Read: State Board Of Education Takes Sweeping Action Against Western Heights Administration

A district judge has already ordered the school board acknowledge the state's authority.

As the board tries to appeal that decision, their meeting Monday ended with parents screaming for the board president's resignation.

At least one school board member told News 9 they had no clue about Everman's agenda.

"So, I was blindsided completely," said school board member Briana Flatley.

Confusion and chaos broke out as parents held the agenda posted online by Guthrie. But Everman claimed his was physically posted too.

Important agenda items, including approving the employment of over 40 employees and a long-awaited item that would have included signing bonuses for teachers and support staff, ended up tabled.

"It feels like we are not putting our educators first," said Flatley.

Everman walked out of the meeting without saying anything. Guthrie vowed he is working for the Western Heights students and families.

"I will continue to give this school board the opportunity to make good decision for their students," said Guthrie. "If they don't take my recommendations and go with that, I guess we will see what happens next."

Currently the board is fighting a district judge who said the board must acknowledge the state's authority.

Related: Judge Rules In Favor Of State In Western Heights Fight; Supt. Hofmeister Responds To Order

Arguments were heard Tuesday by a state Supreme Court referee and now it's up to the Supreme Court.

"Options here include the Supreme Court declining to take this case and it would proceed as it has in district court," said Brad Clark, the attorney representing the State Board of Education. "Or the court, the high court, the Supreme Court could take the case and proceed from there."

A decision is not expected Tuesday.

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