TOPEKA – (September 19, 2024) – Kansas Attorney General Kris Kobach today announced that members of the Chautauqua County Community Unified School District Board of Education agreed in a consent order that they violated the Kansas Open Meetings Act. 

Under the terms of a consent order, board members each will pay $100 in civil penalties and attend additional KOMA training.

"To the board's credit, they proactively obtained training as this office continued its investigation of the matter," said Amber Smith, First Assistant Attorney General. "This is an appropriate resolution in light of the circumstances here. While there is no evidence the board intentionally violated KOMA, it is necessary to recognize that their actions and practices fell far short. It is our responsibility to ensure that public bodies comply with the public policy for the open and transparent conduct of government business."

After an investigation, the Kansas Attorney General's Office determined that USD 286 school board members violated KOMA by using executive sessions to discuss topics that were not appropriate, by making improper motions for executive sessions, and by failing to comply with nearly every statutory requirement for such motions. Additionally, the board's meeting minutes did not accurately reflect the verbal motions made.

 

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