From the Ouray County Plaindealer:  Calling for greater openness in the decision-making process, Ridgway citizen Brian Donivan cited misconduct by the Ridgway School Board in use of executive sessions, hiring protocol and open meetings law violations during the public input portion of the board’s regular meeting on Mar. 27.

In a formal letter to the board, Donivan listed five specific items that he requested the school board address immediately.

Referencing the Colorado Sunshine Law, specifically CRS section 24-6-402, Donivan questioned why the board, when entering executive session, did not “identify the matter to be discussed therein in as much detail as possible,” as the statute mandated.

“I believe that the lack of details provided to the public is a key source for the mistrust that you are currently receiving from the community,” Donivan said.

No members of the school board responded to any of Donivan’s grievances, apart from Greg Lawler, who asked that Donivan retract a statement that questioned whether the board’s handling of Principal Jim Bob Hobbs’ contract had the kids in mind.
Donivan agreed to retract the statement and continued.

Mentioning several court decisions, Donivan pointed out that final policy decisions, including firings and hirings, must be made in public.

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