West Geauga Schools Board of Education unanimously passed a resolution March 18 to enter into a settlement agreement with Brian M. Ames, paying him $4,000.
West Geauga Schools Board of Education unanimously passed a resolution March 18 to enter into a settlement agreement with Brian M. Ames, paying him $4,000.
Ames filed a Writ of Mandamus Jan. 9 alleging the school board did not fully comply with Section 149.43 of the Ohio Revised Code about providing requested public records.
“I don’t know that we have ever been violators of that transparency, but obviously, he feels that we have, so we needed to settle. It’s a lot cheaper to settle than to litigate,” Superintendent Richard Markwardt said.
The school board provided Ames with all of the requested records he sought as part of the litigation and Ames has acknowledged receiving them.
“The school board denies Mr. Ames’ claims in the litigation and further denies all allegations of wrongdoing asserted by Mr. Ames,” the agreement said.
Once he receives payment of $4,000, Ames has three days to file a voluntary dismissal with prejudice with the court, rendering the litigation settled.
He also agreed to cease actions against West Geauga on the matter.
“Ames shall discontinue all claims regarding, relating to, or arising out the facts and circumstances alleged in the litigation and shall discontinue all public records requests and any other claims arising from the facts and circumstances alleged in the litigation,” the agreement said.
Ames, who lives in Mogadore, is a self-appointed “bounty hunter” for open meetings violations. He has filed lawsuits against a long list of alleged violators of the state’s Sunshine Laws, including government bodies and school districts around the state, as reported in the Feb. 8 issue of the Geauga County Maple Leaf.
“I specifically knew that he was filing similar suits in a lot of districts, so I figured it was just one of many,” Markwardt said. “I knew it was a complaint that was being lodged against a number of districts and I knew the complaint was being lodged against West Geauga.”
The board does what is accountable and is open and honest with the public, Markwardt added.
“I think sometimes objective criticism is always welcomed. I don’t think that accusations that are unfounded are welcomed,” he said. “I certainly wouldn’t welcome them if I were a board member.”
