School Accused Of Violating Open Meeting Act

Thursday, February 22nd 2007, 1:38 pm

By: News On 6

MUSKOGEE, Okla. (AP) -- The Hilldale School District in Muskogee is accused of violating the state's Open Meeting Act, including a January meeting in which Superintendent D.B. Merrill was given a three year contract.

Authorities say any action taken during a meeting that violates the act could be declared null and void.

Muskogee County Sheriff Charles Pearson says he's filing a report with prosecutors that the act was violated when the agenda for the January school board meeting wasn't posted at the location where the meeting was held. It was at that meeting when Merrill's contract was approved.

D.B. Merrill has been under fire from parents and students over the suspension and recommendation to fire Hilldale High School principal Dewayne Pemberton.