The Sioux City School Board approved hiring an independent investigator from the Lynch Dallas Law Firm for a personnel matter in its meeting Monday.
During the meeting there was a lot of discussion about why the school board is hiring the investigator.
Sioux City resident Kristie McManamy expressed her concern about the school board approving the item and the lack of transparency with certain board members.
There was mention of how the school board used the same law firm during their lawsuit against Dr. Gausman last year.
Jan George, Board President, said bringing someone from the outside would create an impartial, unbiased opinion.
He also said that Ahlers gave their recommendation on who they thought would be a good fit to do the investigation.
Dan Greenwell said the statement of the Lynch Dallas law firm previously representing them is false.
The attorney that represented board members during the legal proceedings against Dr. Gausman had been employed by Ahlers the entirety of the litigation.
Some board members had mentioned they didn’t have knowledge regarding the investigation. They also said closed meetings allow them to gather information.
Earl Miller commented on how he did not agree that going with Lynch Dallas was being impartial because the attorney who represented some board members went to Ahlers.
Miller mentioned the school board has expanded work with Ahlers, and now Ahlers is recommending the school board return to the attorney’s former firm.
Bob Michaelson said that it was a request by an employee to have a closed session, and he didn’t know if that had ever been denied before.
When it was time to vote, Miller voted no and Ehmcke abstained.
