DPS Questionable Settlement Agreement with Troubled Board Member
Denver Public Schools has come under fire for a controversial settlement agreement that would cost the district $3,500 and prevent any further legal action from school board Vice President Auon’tai Anderson. It's a move that has sparked outrage among taxpayers and parents alike.
Denver Public Schools school board Vice President Auon’tai Anderson.
According to a recently released settlement agreement, the district has agreed to pay Anderson $3,500 and in return, Anderson has agreed not to sue DPS for any damages, costs, or expenses related to a 2021 investigation. This agreement was signed in March, but drafted back in October of 2022. This raises questions as to why it took so long for this information to be made public.
What's more concerning is that the agreement was not brought to a vote by the school board and some members were not even aware of the payment until recently. The agreement also includes a confidentiality clause, preventing it from being released under the Colorado Open Records Act without a court order.
But Colorado courts have consistently ruled that settlement agreements involving political entities should be made public. It took the pressure of two media outlets for DPS to finally release the agreement, with the district's general counsel maintaining its confidentiality until Anderson consented to its release.
What makes this agreement even more concerning is the fact that it was related to an investigation into allegations of sexual misconduct by Anderson. While some of the claims were dismissed, it was found that Anderson had flirted with a 16-year-old student online and made intimidating social media posts during the investigation. The school board even took the step of censuring Anderson for his conduct.
But now, it seems as though the district is essentially paying him off to keep quiet and avoid further legal action.
Anderson has denied that he filed a lawsuit against DPS to force this settlement agreement, but it's hard to believe that is the case considering his actions. And let's not forget that he is still involved in a defamation lawsuit against those who made accusations against him. It begs the question - why is the district willing to pay off someone who is still actively involved in legal action?
Apart from the ethical implications of this agreement, it is also a waste of taxpayer money. Any dedicated school board member would want school funds to be spent on students, not to cover the legal fees and payouts of one of their own. It's a disservice to the community, the students, and the institution as a whole.
DPS must be held accountable for this questionable decision and ensure that something like this doesn't happen again. It's time for transparency and proper use of taxpayer dollars, not secret settlements and payouts to school board members.