Tulsa Public School Board Member Files Police Report Claiming Open Meetings Act Violation

News On 6 has obtained the police report filed by a Tulsa Public School board member who says the board violated the Open Meetings Act.

Doctor Jennettie Marshall previously said the board violated the Open Meetings Act when it appointed the new TPS Superintendent.

An affidavit filed by board member Dr. Jennettie Marshall states she was part of the meeting she says was illegal, and she accuses six others of violating the Open Meetings Act.

The Tulsa Public Schools Board meeting earlier this month is raising many concerns for at least one board member, Dr. Jennettie Marshall.

Marshall says during executive session, she believes the Open Meetings Act was violated when discussions between board members veered from approved agenda.

The executive session was to discuss the employement of Dr. Ebony Johnson as Superintendent of Schools, but after board members returned to open session, Marshall informed the public of her concerns.

"I want to go on record as saying this board, while in executive session, violated executive session rules,” Marshall said during the December 11th meeting.

News On 6 received a copy of the police report and affidavit filed by Marshall last week.

In it, Marshall accuses Board President Stacey Wooley, Vice President John Croisant, and member Diamond Marshall, along with board attorneys Doug Mann, Bo Raney, and Board Clerk Sarah Bozone, of violating the Open Meetings Act.

The act requires governing bodies to make all scheduled meetings and agendas public record with advanced notice.

Marshall says former Board Member Jerry Griffin was the first to go off-topic by suggesting a contract for Johnson, including a retention bonus with a national superintendent search at the end of her contract.

She also says Griffin and Croisant suggested Johnson consider using current district employees to fill vacant cabinet positions.

Earlier in the meeting, the board approved an emergency suspension of any requirement to post recruit or advertise the superintendent position.

In the same meeting, attorney Raney stated if the suspension was approved, the board would be protected from any claims of violations.

“I have seen the reports and believe that Dr. Marshall has made a false accusation," board member John Croisant said in a statement. "I am not ready to discuss the situation any further at this time."

If a violation of the Open Meetings Act is found, any action taken will be made invalid.

Violators can also be fined up to $500 and spend up to 1 year in jail.