Board of Education member Robert Harrington writes:
Yesterday evening I received a letter from the school administration’s attorney.
It was very much directed at me. It was a clear warning about my recent actions and comments — including a risk that I might be prosecuted. The letter was marked “Attorney-Client Privilege,” so I can’t go into specific details here.
However, I believe this classification appears to serve more as a shield from public accountability than as a necessary protection of legal confidentiality.
As such, I wrote to the entire Board of Education last night. I respectfully asked that they waive the attorney-client privilege on this letter, and make it available to the public — as it directly concerns me.
I truly hope the Board of Ed will agree to making this letter public.
Robert Harrington
Should this letter not be made public near term, I am also asking that this issue be added to the agenda of the 5th June Board of Ed meeting.
This comes in addition to another letter prior to last Monday’s hearing that was sent by the attorney/“mediator” representing the board. (Different from the attorney for the school administration).
In that letter I was effectively scolded for asking questions to the attorney as “they must come from an officer — not an individual board member.”
It was also suggested there could be a “need to recuse yourself from participating in the hearing.”
Finally, it was made clear to me that by asking some basic questions I might be responsible for “increasing the Board expenses for legal information by approximately seven-fold.”
I will keep asking questions, and highlighting the lack of thoroughness surrounding the investigation.
This legal interference towards an elected representative is outrageous and wrong. It needs to stop immediately.
Our district needs to support all students, and ensure that any form of bullying is not tolerated. At the same time, we also need to ensure we support our valuable and committed coaches.