Raeder Spanked by AZ Ombudsman for Threat

Most of us remember the PUSD board meeting from last May 22. You know, the one where the Call to the Public was clarified to apply to non-agenda items.

You may also remember that Diane Douglas tried to ask staff to review a point mentioned by a speaker during the Call to the Public. At that moment, Debra Raeder practically tore Douglas' head off, claiming she was violating Open Meeting laws and threatening to file a complaint. Apparently, Raeder didn't notice that printed right there on the agenda under her nose was the statement that explains the agenda item. It specifically says (as does state law) that board members may ask staff to review a matter, which is exactly what Douglas did.

A member of the public, however, didn't think Raeder's inaccurate tirade was appropriate and filed a complaint with the Arizona Ombudsman. After reviewing the recording of the incident, their finding was that Raeder was totally out-of-line and is formally recommending PUSD receive training on Open Meeting laws (again), preferably during a regular board meeting so that the public can benefit from the instruction, as well. That's a good call. Some of our regular speakers need it, quite frankly.

I guess working for the governor causes some people to forget how to follow the rules.