Triad School District will pay $15,000 to settle a lawsuit after the district refused to allow a television station to videotape a meeting.
At its recent meeting, the Triad Local Schools board of education approved an agreement to settle a lawsuit out of court with Cox Media WHIO-TV Channel 7 Dayton for $15,000.
“Triad Local Schools is committed to continuing to balance our open, transparent relationship with the community, including media outlets, and protecting our students’ right to privacy,” Superintendent Chris Piper wrote in a statement. “Under this agreement (with Cox Media), the board is able to uphold those commitments and settle this matter through our insurance company without further demands on the district’s resources.”
Cox Media sued Triad after its television cameras were not permitted at the Oct. 24, 2016, board meeting. Triad policy requires media outlets wanting to videotape a meeting to contact the district ahead of time to discuss placement of the cameras so as not to create an obstruction. WHIO-TV was doing a story related to the suicide of Triad sixth grader Bethany Thompson. The news station did not contact the district before the October meeting and was not allowed to videotape it.
Piper explained that while the cameras were not permitted, the board did not oppose the media outlet recording the meeting and/or taking notes.
WHIO-7 cameras were allowed at the Nov. 18 board meeting as they followed board policy and made prior arrangements.
The agreement won’t be finalized until all parties have signed, including Cox media, Piper clarified in an email.
In other news:
– Triad teacher Leslie Bradley was named a 2017 Celebrate Teaching Distinguished Educator Award from Battelle for Kids.
Bradley, a high school biology teacher, was one of 33 educators statewide, as part of Battelle for Kids commitment to recognize and support educators who have had a powerful impact on students, colleagues and their community; inspire future generations of educators and thank all teachers who have dedicated their lives to making a difference for kids, per the Battelle for Kids website.
Kyle Huffman, principal at Triad High School, nominated Bradley for her use of various assessment strategies to measure student learning and applying that knowledge to inform her instruction, developing engaging hands-on lessons, project based learning and incorporating higher-level thinking in her assignments. Huffman commended Bradley’s ability to connect her content standards with real world experiences for her students.
“Mrs. Bradley is a nurturer who shows compassion for her students, while challenging them to do their best,” per the Triad submitted nomination, “She works well with students of all ability levels and takes a personal interest in their success. She has been a leader in our building by being a mentor to new teachers and models ideal behaviors in a professional learning community.”
Bradley was honored at a ceremony during a recent Educators Connect for Success Conference.
– The board recognized the following students who placed at the “Night with the Arts “Best of Show: Morgan Hunter – first; Danica Seifert – second; and Harleigh Russell – third.
– The district honored award-winning athletes in spring sports.
– The Triad Board of Education commended Ralph Coleman Jr., class of 1963, for receiving the Distinguished Alumni Award.
– Approved the three-year contract renewal (2017-2020) for Gary Davis as athletic director and high school dean of students at a salary of $51,000 per year
– Approved the following supplemental classified employment for: Dawndee Zizzo – auxiliary (majorettes) instructor; Ben Moore – assistant musical director, instrumental; Jeff Merklin – middle school football coach.
– Approved cell phone allowance for the position of EMIS coordinator for the 2017-18 school year in the amount of $50 per month.
– Approved an overnight trip, presented by band director John Sharritts, for band students to attend band camp at Camp Clifton in Yellow Springs, from July 9–13. Participants are responsible for the cost of the camp, however Triad transportation is requested.
– Approved an overnight trip, presented by varsity cheer advisor Angel Legge, for cheerleaders to attend cheer camp at Ohio Northern University in Ada, from July 24 -27. Participants are responsible for the cost of the camp, however Triad transportation is requested.
– Approved cafeteria prices for Type A lunches at the elementary and middle school for $2.75 and at the high school for $3.
– Approved a service agreement with Madison-Champaign County Educational Services Center for the 2017-18 school year as presented by the superintendent.
– Approved a service agreement for legal services with Scott Scriven, LLP and Bricker and Eckler, LLP. Both agreements are for services beginning July 1, and ending on June 30, 2018.
– Approved a service agreement with West Central Ohio Technology Center at an estimated cost of $950. Services will be rendered from July 1, through June 30, 2018.
– Approved the fiscal year final certificate of estimate resources as presented by the treasurer.
– Approved temporary appropriations for fiscal year 2018 based on 80 percent of fiscal year 2017 actual expenditures as presented by the treasurer.
The next regular board meeting is set for 7 p.m., July 20, in the boardroom modular.