The Iowa Supreme Court on Friday reversed a district court ruling that had said the Sioux City School District and four school board members in 2022 violated open meetings law when having discussions about then-Superintendent Paul Gausman.
The Supreme Court unanimous ruling said board members Bobby Michaelson, Dan Greenwell, Jan George, and Taylor Goodvin had not violated the law.
In the 2024 District Court trial, Judge Jeffrey Neary said the board members violated the open meetings act during a January 2022 closed session. Neary wrote that the board went beyond its stated purpose of evaluating Gausman's professional competency, when also moving onto discussing the possibility of filing a complaint against him with the Iowa Board of Educational Examiners.
However, the Supreme Court disagreed, writing, “It was proper for the board to discuss in closed session its concerns regarding Gausman's conduct during a meeting to evaluate his professional competency and performance on the job.”
In an emailed statement to Siouxland Public Media News, Gausman said, "I am disappointed with the court’s decision. While I disagree with the outcome, I respect the court and its role.”
The Supreme Court also ruled against a Gausman “cross appeal,” upholding a district court ruling that a second closed session did not violate the open meetings law.
The Supreme Court also reversed a ruling ordering Greenwell to pay more than $52,000 in attorney fees to Gausman .
In an emailed statement, Greenwell said the Supreme Court ruling vindicates his actions.
"Judge Neary demonstrated multiple instances of judicial bias throughout the trial and in his rulings. In summary, the unanimous Supreme Court ruling pointed out his clear incompetence and lack of understanding of the law,” Greenwell wrote.
