Since January, the Spotsylvania County school board has been more divided than ever; and so has the community. On almost every issue, the board has been dismantled and distraught by their own political differences, as topics like masking and books have taken the forefront in debate.
The new conservative majority, including Kirk Twigg as Chair, have angered many in the community, for their unwillingness to compromise and engage in civil discussion over what some would call, simple issues. And it isn't entirely their fault.
Just last week, board member Nicole Cole erupted during a meeting, yelling over chair Twigg, over what she calls, "unacceptable disrespect", after Twigg refused to 'look at her', while she was speaking to him. She subsequently followed him around after the meeting, demanding that he "respect her" while she is speaking.
Such trivial instances like these have become commonplace on the school board, and many find these meetings to be no more essential to the functioning of the Spotsylvania school system, than it is the butt of an inside joke.
The board's pettiness and insecurity has rubbed off on the community they were elected to represent, and the political divide couldn't be any clearer.
Parents at odds with teachers, teachers at odds with students, and parents often times confronting each other head on. A gavel and a security guard is becoming less effective by the day in stopping dangerous and embarrassing political dissidence.
The students notice this; and one student has come forward with a lawsuit against the board.
The Edwards Law Firm, on behalf of recent Courtland High graduate Makaila Keyes, announced they will be taking legal action against the school board.
“The Edwards Law Firm PLLC has been retained to conduct an ongoing, independent legal investigation of the Spotsylvania County School Board regarding alleged violations of the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), employment, and education law”
The law firm said, in a letter released on Facebook.
They claim that the board, and specifically members of the new conservative majority including Twigg, Phelps, Gillespie, and Abuismail, have violated Keyes' FOIA (Freedom of Information Act) rights. Twigg in specific, is accused of conducting 'unlawful' closed meetings with the Board of Supervisors, and making changes to the agenda without public consent.
Claims of Twiggs corruption have been emboldened by this lawsuit, and one might ask whether or not the claims have merit, or if they are shrouded by prejudice. Look no further than the statements of the law firm and Makaila Keyes for an answer.
“A formal recall action will be pursued against any members whose conduct suggests neglect of duty, misuse of office, or incompetence in the performance of duties, such that the School Board’s duty to serve the best interests of the students and community has been materially compromised.“
The goal of this frivolous lawsuit is clear; they want the new conservative majority, including Twigg, off of the board at most, and fined at the least.
Regardless of what the public thinks of Twiggs wrongdoing, much of which is currently undefinable, a lawsuit like this is not going to benefit the community, and it most certainly will not benefit the students.
Even if Twigg, or any member for that matter, is found to have broken Virginia code or FOIA, what will the prosecution, and specifically Makaila Keyes have to show for it?
Twigg and the rest of the board might be fined a considerable sum, and an attorney for the board would have to be appointed using tax payer dollars, in order to defend them. A few dollars out of Twiggs pockets is not a "win" for students. It isn't effective change at all, regardless of Keyes' intention.
Additionally, this lawsuit largely ignores any wrongdoing on behalf of the left minority of the board, for reasons unspecified by Makaila Keyes, or the Edwards Law Firm. This has caused some to question the merit of this case, calling it "politically charged", because there have been a plethora of examples of members Shelley and Daniels violating Virginia code, yet they face little to no consequence.
So what does this lawsuit actually do to "help students", as Makaila Keyes claims is her intention:
"I am just looking out for the students, educators, and constituents of this county to ensure more good than harm comes to them, and remove negative connotation associated with Spotsylvania that began with the November 9th School Board meeting."
Keyes stated.
How exactly is a frivolous lawsuit, that already has people at odds with each other, going to "unite" the county, and "remove negative connotation" as Keyes suggests? How is this going to unite the left and the right, in the interest of students?
The crux of the argument against this lawsuit, is that it is simply symbolic. It will be lauded as a win for students, and a victory against corruption-- but it lacks any real consequence or effective change.
Using the law to virtue signal, and defame your political opposition is not the "best" way to unite the county, and provide much needed development in the interest of students and educators.
Shielding this lawsuit under the guise of justice, is disingenuous. It only distracts the board from the real issues at hand, and divides us. The already negative and begrudging atmosphere of the county and the school board will be heightened. People will continue to be at odds with each other, and the board.
Regardless of this painfully obvious reality, the hearing will ensue; Makaila Keyes and the mob of Twigg-hating citizens will get their political gains and move on. All regular practices will resume, and the only thing we will be left with is a community divided.
A loss for parents, educators, and most importantly, students.