Scootney Springs Elementary School officials given written warnings for campaign signs
Rachal Pinkerton Staff Writer | Hagadone News Network | UPDATED 5 years, 11 months AGO
File photo A complaint filed with the Public Disclosure Commission against officials at Scootney Springs Elementary School has been closed. Another complaint against the Othello School District is still under investigation.
OTHELLO — The Public Disclosure Commission has closed a case involving Scootney Springs Elementary School officials and staff.
On Oct. 30, 2019, a complaint was made to the Public Disclosure Commission (PDC) alleging that public employees misused public property by allowing campaign signs for candidate Lindsy Prows inside the school building.
The PDC has closed the case, stating that “authorizing the misuse of public facilities to store and distribute yard signs in support of a candidate does not amount to a violation that warrants further investigation.”
Several Scootney Springs Elementary staff members were issued formal written warnings. As part of the warning, staff members involved are being expected to review PDC’s Guidelines for School Districts in Election Campaigns and to prevent this kind of issue from happening again.
There were six staff members who received the written warnings. If further incidents occur, the PDC will take the warnings into consideration.
PDC stated that it finds that further action in this case is unnecessary and closed the case on Jan. 6.
There is still another case open against the Othello School District regarding alleged inappropriate use of the school district board room by an election candidate. That complaint was opened by the PDC on Nov. 25, 2019.
On Dec. 4, 2019, the lawyer for the Othello School District submitted a letter on behalf of the district and denied the allegations. The PDC has yet to make a ruling in this case.
Rachal Pinkerton may be reached via email at [email protected].
ARTICLES BY RACHAL PINKERTON STAFF WRITER
Wahluke Junior High Robotics team to compete at state
MATTAWA – One Wahluke Junior High robotics team has secured a spot in the state robotics tournament. Coach Eduardo Martinez thinks that three of his other teams will also make it to state.
PDC receives second complaint against Othello School District
OTHELLO — Another complaint against the Othello School District was filed with the Public Disclosure Commission (PDC). The alleged violation is for the misuse of public facilities to support an election campaign.
Othello looking for donations for annual Christmas baskets
OTHELLO — About 45 years ago, four volunteer firefighters decided to make Christmas food and gift baskets and give them to seven families who needed some extra help. The next year, they gave baskets to more families. In the years since, the Othello Community Christmas Baskets has become a city-wide event with various groups raising money, food, warm clothes and toys for Othello families in need.