PUBLIC INFORMATION: Ex-principal's Settlement Withheld in Vallejo
The Vallejo Times-Herald reports that a former school principal's lawsuit against the school district has been settled, but terms of the agreement are being kept from the public despite legal precedent for disclosure.
The Times-Herald had made a public records request for a list of all expenditures stemming from the lawsuit filed in May to be released, including terms of the settlement agreement.
District officials said Monday they would not honor the request unless Rollins' attorney agrees.
"We are not ignoring the Public Records Act," Hodge said. "We believe we are in compliance with the law. That law only applies when you are not talking about confidential personnel actions."
Attorney and sunshine law expert Terry Francke, however, questions that reasoning. . . (T)he courts have interpreted the Public Records Act as requiring disclosure of such settlements, he said.
District officials said Monday they would not honor the request unless Rollins' attorney agrees.
"We are not ignoring the Public Records Act," Hodge said. "We believe we are in compliance with the law. That law only applies when you are not talking about confidential personnel actions."
Attorney and sunshine law expert Terry Francke, however, questions that reasoning. . . (T)he courts have interpreted the Public Records Act as requiring disclosure of such settlements, he said.
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