QVSD Board Again Leaves Calls to Retract Larson Statement Unanswered

The Quillayute Valley School Board again offered no substantive public response October 13 as speakers called for it to retract its statement about the Kari Larson lawsuit, complete a misconduct investigation and hold administrators accountable.

Five of the six public commenters discussed misconduct, accountability or changes to school practices. The other, district employee Traci Hurn, praised board members’ character and community service.

Board Chair Bill Rohde thanked the speakers and moved to a transportation presentation. The board took no vote to retract its statement. After an executive session near the meeting’s end, it returned and announced there was no action to take.

The dispute centers on the board’s August 25 statement, which Rohde read with the board’s approval. As The Olympic Herald previously reported, it emphasized findings in the defendants’ favor. The jury also found QVSD liable for a hostile work environment under the Washington Law Against Discrimination.

Larson, a former assistant cross-country coach, alleged unwanted physical contact, offensive messages and sexually suggestive comments by Brian Weekes. He denied the allegations.

Jurors awarded Larson $250,000, reduced by $240 for failure to mitigate damages, leaving $249,760. They rejected her retaliation claims against QVSD and Weekes and her negligent-supervision and negligent-retention claims against Kyle Weakley.

A satisfaction of judgment filed July 2 acknowledged the district’s payment of $765,834.77, including judgments, interest, court costs and attorney fees.

Hurn thanked directors for continuing to serve while facing criticism and questions about their character. She cited their volunteer work in youth sports, churches, emergency services and other community organizations.

The district’s staff directory identifies Hurn as an administrative assistant to teaching and learning in the district office. A marriage certificate filed with the Clallam County Auditor records her marriage to board member Ron Hurn.

“Good character isn’t defined by what people say about us,” Hurn said. She said it is demonstrated through how people live, serve and treat others.

Hurn described her list as observations from a community member.

She spoke between Shannon Gaydeski, who renewed demands for action, and Pam Gale, who accused the board of “victim shaming.”

Gaydeski called for the board to rescind its statement, complete its investigation and dismiss Weekes. She accused the district of discrimination, coverups and retaliation and urged it to examine how it reached this point and change its culture.

Gale questioned the length and cost of Weekes’ paid administrative leave. She asked why Larson and her family had not received an apology and offered one herself.

Rod Larson, who opened public comment, said the verdict should carry consequences for administrators. He said speakers had repeatedly sought a review of policies, procedures, training and supervision to identify failures and prevent them from recurring.

Wendy Larson said Kari Larson’s Title IX complaint remained unresolved nearly three years after it was filed. She said Kari had never received written notice explaining an extension and urged the district to complete the process.

Kristen Johansen read from Charol Shakeshaft’s book, Organizational Betrayal: How Schools Enable Sexual Misconduct and How to Stop It. The passage called for schools to examine their practices and protect people who report concerns from retaliation.

Speakers had also sought a retraction at the September 8 and September 22 meetings. Neither produced a vote to retract the statement.

The August statement said the district did not intend to minimize the situation and disclosed an ongoing personnel matter without identifying its subject. The board gave no substantive public update on that matter October 13. 

In other business, the board approved Policy 3115 on enrollment rights and services for students experiencing homelessness, a safe-routes-to-school resolution and its consent agenda. It heard reports on transportation and Insight School of Washington.

Superintendent Diana Reaume outlined a proposed schedule for the $55 million Forks Middle School replacement. If voters approve the bond, she said, the district would aim to begin construction in summer 2028 and open the school in fall 2029. Students would use space in the existing elementary and high-school buildings during construction, she said.