Two community members addressed the Quillayute Valley School Board during its September 22, 2026, session, focusing on issues related to student security and district communications. The board members did not provide a detailed public reply to the critiques nor did they cast a vote to alter a previous statement regarding a recent legal case.
Sharon Millett, a parent who has regularly attended board sessions since the conclusion of a significant lawsuit, raised questions about how the district handles individuals who voice concerns. She noted that local residents are primarily interested in understanding safety measures for children, rather than pursuing further litigation. Millett also pointed out that she observed board members exchanging facial expressions during the session, which she interpreted as mocking. She described this behavior as a form of bullying, noting that some of these non-verbal interactions were not visible to those viewing the meeting via an online stream.
Millett shared an anecdote about a recent discussion with her daughter regarding reporting uncomfortable touching or behavior. She explained that she instructed her child to inform her immediately, especially if anyone attempted to keep the incident secret. The parent expressed concern to the board about whether her daughter would be believed if such an event were to occur.
Following Millett, Shannon Gaydeski requested that the board revisit its August 25 statement concerning the Kari Larson lawsuit. This request came in response to concerns raised by speakers at a prior meeting on September 8. Gaydeski urged the board to issue a retraction and to view the court’s verdict as a catalyst for reviewing and improving internal practices. She emphasized that her previous request to place the topic on the agenda addressed systemic failures in the district’s management of misconduct, issues she stated extended beyond the specific case involving Brian Weekes. Gaydeski argued that the district requires a culture that prioritizes safety, strictly follows policies, and actively addresses sexual misconduct by educators.
Board Chair Bill Rohde read the August 25 statement, which had been approved by the board. The statement highlighted findings in favor of the defendants and described the district as “completely exonerated.” It also noted an ongoing personnel matter connected to the situation, though the individual involved was not identified.
Earlier reporting from The Real Olympic Herald detailed that the April verdict included a finding that the Quillayute Valley School District created a hostile work environment under the Washington Law Against Discrimination. Jurors awarded Kari Larson, a former assistant cross-country coach, $250,000, minus $240 for a failure to mitigate damages. The jury rejected claims of retaliation against the district and Weekes, as well as negligent-supervision and negligent-retention claims against Kyle Weakley. Weekes had denied Larson’s allegations of unwanted physical contact, offensive messages, and sexually suggestive comments.
Millett also inquired whether the district was addressing bullying, which she said had caused some students to seek alternative educational options. She clarified that her professional work involves connecting students to resources and that she had no personal connection to the Running Start program. Millett stated that students had told her they joined the program to escape bullying, although she acknowledged its academic benefits. She argued that while the district’s new college-credit offering was promising, promoting it did not resolve the underlying reasons for student departures.
Later in the meeting, Superintendent Diana Reaume reported that enrollment was below budget projections, citing participation in the Running Start program. Reaume indicated that approximately 34 students were enrolled full time in that program and linked this participation to a high school enrollment shortfall of roughly 20 full-time students.
Enrollment data for the Running Start program revealed participant numbers but did not uncover the motivations behind student participation.
Earlier reporting included an account from a local parent about ongoing bullying experiences her child faced during the program, though district leadership did not respond to those concerns during the formal presentation.
The school board subsequently endorsed both the district-wide and individual school improvement strategies. In remarks supporting the middle school initiative, district leadership outlined key goals, emphasizing enhanced parent engagement and a renewed focus on shared values and community norms.
Public feedback raised concerns about how the district manages student conduct issues, yet those points were not acknowledged during the official discussion.
Separately, officials introduced a plan to address structural concerns at Forks High School, revealing an $800,000 state-funded allocation designated for roof repairs in the gymnasium. Construction is scheduled to begin in early spring 2027, with the project expected to finish by June. Board members voted to formalize the architectural services contract for the initiative.