03/03/2025
"For more than two years, the Newberg School District 29J found itself embroiled in a high-profile legal battle that drained its financial resources and sparked debates about government accountability. The lawsuit, filed by a group of plaintiffs including Beth Woolsey, Greg Woolsey, Jeff McNeal, Kathleen McNeal, Meghan Rogers-Czarnecki, Stefan Czarnecki, and Elizabeth Gemeroy, centered on allegations that members of the Newberg School Board violated Oregon’s public meetings law. The case, which concluded with a final settlement, not only cost the district hundreds of thousands in legal fees but also highlighted the broader implications of governance and transparency within public institutions."
With a total initial claim of nearly $370,000 in attorney fees and litigation costs, the plaintiffs' pursuit ultimately resulted in a minimal financial consequence for the individual board members. Meanwhile, the district itself bore the brunt of the legal expenses, diverting funds away from student...