Case Number: PC-2 021-051 16

Filed in Providence/Bristol County Superior Court

Submitted: 8/2/2021 2:59 PM
Envelope: 3219229
Reviewer: Victoria H

STATE 0F RHODE ISLAND SUPERIOR COURT

PROVIDENCE, SC.

NATIONAL EDUCATION ASSOCIATION

OF RHODE ISLAND, and NATIONAL
EDUCATION ASSOCIATION — SOUTH
KINGSTOWN,
Plaintiffs,

vs.
C.A. N0. PC 21-
SOUTH KINGSTOWN SCHOOL
COMMITTEE, by and through its

members, Christie Fish, Kate McMahon

Macinanti, Melissa Boyd, Michelle
Brousseau and Paula Whitford, SOUTH
KINGSTOWN SCHOOL DEPARTMENT,
by and through its Acting Interim
Superintendent Ginamarie Masiello,
NICOLE SOLAS, and JOHN DOE
HARTMAN,
Defendants.

VERIFIED COMPLAINT

1. This is an action for declaratory judgment and other relief concerning the appropriate
treatment 0f various records requests pursuant t0 the Access t0 Public Records Act (“APRA”),
G.L. 1956 § 38-2-1 e_t seq. In short, this action seeks to: (a) prohibit the disclosure of non-public
records; and/or (b) for those requests that call for personally identifiable and other personnel-
related information about public school teachers, that n0 records be disclosed until the Court
employs a balancing test that properly assesses the public interest in the records at issue
measured against the teachers’ individual privacy rights.

JURISDICTION

2. The jurisdiction of this Court is invoked, in part, pursuant t0 the Uniform Declaratory
Judgments Act (“UDJA”), G.L. 1956 § 9-30-1 e_t fl“ APRA, § 38-2-9, G.L. 1956 §§ 8-2-13 and
8—2-14.

PARTIES

3. Plaintiff, National Education Association of Rhode Island (“NEARI”) is a labor

organization certified by the Rhode Island State Labor Relations Board to represent certified
teachers in the State 0f Rhode Island for purposes 0f collective bargaining.
Case Number: PC-2021-051 16
Filed in Providence/Bristol County Superior Court
Submitted: 8/2/2021 2:59 PM
Envelope: 321 9229
Reviewer: Victoria H

4. Plaintiff, National Education Association — South Kingstown (“NEASK”) is the local

bargaining unit for certified teachers employed by the South Kingstown School Department. T0
the extent the local and the statewide organization are referred t0 collectively, they will be
referred t0 as the “Union” or “NEA.”

Defendant South Kingstown School Committee (“School Committee”), is sued by and

5.

through members, Christie Fish, Kate McMahon Macinanti, Melissa Boyd, Michelle
its

Brousseau and Paula Whitford.

6. Defendant South Kingstown School Department (“School Department”) is sued by

and through its Acting Interim Superintendent, Assistant Superintendent Ginamarie Masiello.
The terms School Committee and School Department may be used interchangeably.

Defendant Nicole Solas (“Solas”) is an individual Who has submitted approximately

7.

two hundred (200) separate requests for records from the School Department.

8. Defendant John Doe Hartman (“Hartman”) is in individual who has submitted

approximately twenty (20) separate requests for records from the School Department.

Defendants Solas and Hartman are named and included only insofar as Plaintiffs are
9.

required t0 do so pursuant to G.L. 1956 § 9-30-11 which provides that “[w]hen declaratory relief
is sought, all persons shall be made parties Who have or claim any interest Which would be
affected by the declaration, and no declaration shall prejudice the rights 0f persons not parties t0
the proceeding.”

STATEMENT OF FACTS

10. Since 1975, the NEA has been certified as the exclusive representative for collective
bargaining on behalf 0f South Kingstown’s certified teachers.

11. Since 1975, NEARI has negotiated a series 0f collective bargaining agreements
(“CBA”) With the School Department that set forth the terms and conditions of employment for
NEA members.

12. The relationship between NEA

and the Defendant, School Committee is also
governed by state law, specifically, the Certified School Teachers’ Arbitration Act (“Michaelson
Act”), G.L. 1956 § 28-9.3-1 e_t fl.
13. In 0r about April 2021, Defendant Solas, sent an e-mail t0 the Principal of a South
Kingstown School With a list 0f questions and/or requests for records designed t0 gather
information about, among other things, Whether the school teaches critical race theory 0r
otherwise includes it and other related concepts in its curriculum. Appendix A, Salas E—Mail.

14. The recommended Solas file a request

Principal for public records pursuant t0 APRA
concerning the information she was seeking. App. A.
Case Number: PC-2021-051 16
Filed in Providence/Bristol County Superior Court
Submitted: 8/2/2021 2:59 PM
Envelope: 321 9229
Reviewer: Victoria H

15. By June 2, 2021, Solas filed about two hundred (200) APRA requests, many 0f
Which contain multiple requests Within the request. Appendix B, List 0f Pending APRA
Requests.

16. At one point, the School Committee considered Whether it should file a lawsuit to
obtain relief from the excessive number of requests by Solas.

17. Following the discussion of a possible challenge to Solas’ APRA requests, Solas
appeared 0n Fox News and on various websites, garnering national attention to her dispute with
the School Committee concerning her requests, and her concerns regarding the critical race
theory. Appendix C, Internet Articles.

18. The requests made by Solas call for a vast variety 0f records. App. B.

19. Following Solas’ requests, the School Department received additional requests from
other individuals and entities. App. B.

For example, there are a vast number of requests from another individual, Defendant
20.
John Doe Hartman. App. B.

21. From April 2021 to July 2021, the School Department received over three hundred
(300) APRA requests. App. B.

The requests include, but are not limited to, requests for records that may relate to
22.
labor relations Which do not constitute public records. For example, 0n May 16, 2021, Solas
submitted Request N0. 48 Which calls for “digital copies pertaining to the AFL-CIO in the last
four months.” App. B, p. 1

23. The “AFL-CIO” is an acronym for the American Federation 0f Labor and Congress
Industrial Organizations. It is a federation of unions that includes the NEA.

24. Solas also submitted Request N0. 100 Which calls for “digital copies 0f public
documents relating t0 Patrick Crowley in the months of March, April, and May 2021.” App. B,
p. 1.

25. Patrick Crowley is a NEARI employee and Rhode Island AFL-CIO official.

26. The requests include, but are not limited t0, requests for records that relate to teacher
discipline and performance.

For example, Request No. 158 submitted by Defendant Hartman

27. calls for “all
complaints against Robin Wildman. App. B, p. 2.

28. Wildman is a retired teacher and former member 0f NEA.

Case Number: PC-2021-051 16
Filed in Providence/Bristol County Superior Court
Submitted: 8/2/2021 2:59 PM
Envelope: 3219229
Reviewer: Victoria H

29. Request No. 182 by Solas calls for “all disciplinary actions and relevant details taken
against any teacher in the school district in the past three years. If actions or details are not
public information, provide how many disciplinary actions are private and against which
teachers.” App. B, p. 2 (emphasis added).

30. Request N0. 202 by Solas calls for records related t0 a song performed by the South
Kingstown High School choir and for records reflecting “what qualifications Ryan Muir [has] to
talk about race and equality With choir students?” App. B, p. 2.

3 1. Ryan Muir is a teacher and member 0f NEA.

Request N0. 241 submitted by Defendant Hartmann, requests records such as “CVS,
32.
contracts, job descriptions and all documents related to hiring of the first 50 teachers listed in the
staff directory on the website of South Kingstown High School.” App. B, p. 3.

33. The requests include, but are not limited to, requests that call for teacher e-mails.

34. The so-called “teacher e-mail requests” are, for the most part, not broken down by
type or category of e-mail and without regard t0 whether the e-mails are private or public or
contain personally identifiable information.

35. For example, Request N0. 164 calls for all e-mails between Linda Savastano (the
former Superintendent) and Robin Wildman for a period 0f two years. App. B, p. 2.

Request N0. 85 submitted by Solas

36. calls for “digital copies of emails of Michael
Alper in March 2021.” App. B, p. 1.

37. Michael Alper is a teacher and member 0f NEA.

Request N0. 86 submitted by Solas

38. calls for “digital copies of e-mails of Amber
Lambert for the month 0f March.” App. B, p. 1.

39. Amber Lambert is a teacher and member of NEA.

40. The requests include requests for e-mails 0f various administrators Who are not
members 0f NEA.

41. For example, Request N0. 47 by Solas calls for “digital copies 0f Linda Savastano’s
emails in the last six months.” App. B, p. 1.

42. Request No. 59 by Solas calls for “exactly one hour’s worth 0f work to provide
digital copies 0f Linda Savastano’s most recent emails.” App. B, p. 1.

43. For example, Request No. 297 by Hartman calls for “all Savastano emails from May
17, 2021, to the date this request is fillfilled.” App. B, p. 4.
Case Number: PC-2021-051 16
Filed in Providence/Bristol County Superior Court
Submitted: 8/2/2021 2:59 PM
Envelope: 321 9229
Reviewer: Victoria H

Linda Savastano is the former Superintendent of South Kingstown

44. who recently
resigned amidst controversy at least partially involving Solas.

45. Based 0n the scope of the requests concerning Savastano’s e-mails, upon information
and belief, a response would call for communications between teachers Who are NEA members
and Savastano that are not public records or would otherwise not be subject t0 disclosure because
disclosure would constitute a clearly unwarranted invasion of personal privacy.

46. On or about July 13, 2021, the Defendant School Committee responded t0 one of the
recent APRA requests by releasing a total of about 6,500 pages of documents.

w
47. At this time, there remain many pending requests that are under consideration by the
School Department as reflected by Appendix B.

Declaratory Judgment
G.L. 1956 § 9-30-1

48. Plaintiffs hereby incorporate by reference Paragraphs 1 through 47 0f the Verified

Complaint as if fillly set forth herein.

49. The Rhode Island APRA was first enacted in 1979.

50. Section 38-2-1 provides that the clear legislative purpose of APRA is twofold — (a)
“to facilitate public access to public records,” but also t0 (b) “t0 protect
from disclosure
information aboutparticular individuals maintained in thefiles ofpublic bodies when disclosure
would constitute an unwarranted invasion ofpersonalprivacy.” (emphasis added).

51. Accordingly, pursuant t0 § 32-2-2, not all records kept by public bodies are
considered public records subj ect t0 disclosure pursuant to APRA.

52. For example, public records are only those that are “made 0r received pursuant t0
law or ordinance or in connection with the transaction ofoflicial business by any agency.” § 38-
2-2(4) (emphasis added).

For example, although public bodies may keep many types of records, those that are
53.
kept incidental to other purposes Which are not related t0 the transaction 0f official business are
not public records.

54. For example, personal e-mails of NEA members that are unofficial private writings
not related t0 the official business of the School Department d0 not become public records just
because they are kept 0r received by a public body.

55. Although public policy typically weighs in favor 0f disclosure when records are
public, these principals are not without legal limits. The APRAsystem is not an alternative t0
the civil discovery process and is not t0 be used for abusive purposes 0r a fishing expedition — it
Case Number: PC-2021-051 16
Filed in Providence/Bristol County Superior Court
Submitted: 8/2/2021 2:59 PM
Envelope: 321 9229
Reviewer: Victoria H

was not intended “t0 empower the press and the public with carte blanche to demand all records
held by public agencies.” Direct Action for Rights and Equality V. Gannon, 713 A.2d 218, 222
(R.I. 1998).

56. APRA excludes from public disclosure certain categories 0f documents.

57. For example, “[a]ny identifiable evaluations of public-school employees made
pursuant t0 state 0r federal law 0r regulation” are not public records subject t0 disclosure under
APRA. § 38-2-2(Z).

58. In addition, “Reports and statements 0f strategy or negotiation involving labor

negotiations or collective bargaining,” are not public records. § 38-2-2(H).

communications that constitute concerted activity pursuant to the State

59. Furthermore,
Labor Relations Act (G.L. 1956 § 28-7-1 e_t fl.) and the Michaelson Act are not public records,
including communications among bargaining unit members concerning labor relations matters or
communications between bargaining unit members and union officials concerning labor relations
matters.

60. In addition, “[p]ersonnel and other personal identifiable records otherwise deemed
confidential by federal 0r state law or regulation, 0r the disclosure of which would constitute a
clearly unwarranted invasion of privacy pursuant to 5 U.S.C. § 552 e_t are not publicfig”
records subject t0 disclosure under APRA. § 38-2-2(4)(A)(I)(b) (emphasis added).

61. When a record contains personal identifiable information that may constitute a
clearly unwarranted invasion 0f privacy, a balancing test must be conducted that considers the
public interest in the record at issue, weighed against the privacy interests implicated by
disclosure 0f the report. E, gg, Department of the Air Force V. Rose, 425 U.S. 352, 96 S.Ct.
1592, 1599, 48 L.Ed.2d 11, 21 (1976); Lyssikatos V. Narragansett Police Department, Public
Record Case N0. 21-12 (R.I. Department 0f the Attorney General, April 15, 2021); Lyssikatos V.
Goncalves, PC 2017-3678 (Long, J., 3/18/19).

62. The School Department is not required to produce thousands of documents, or to

produce thousands 0f documents in redacted form, absent this Court conducting a balancing test
considering the requests that implicate § 38-2-2(4)(A)(I)(b).

63. Redaction of records is not always sufficient to safeguard privacy concerns.

64. Upon information and belief, the School Committee is in the process of gathering and
reviewing documents to respond to the requests pending in Appendix B.

65. It is anticipated that teacher records Will be produced that Will be of a personal nature
and will contain the identities of the teachers engaged in the personal communication as well as
other communications that relate to personnel issues, disciplinary issues, performance issues,
medical issues and issues not related t0 the official business of the School Department.

66. It is further anticipated that teacher records Will be produced that may or will contain
discussions about union-related activities Which are not public records subj ect t0 disclosure.
Case Number: PC-2 021-051 16
Filed in Providence/Bristol County Superior Court
Submitted: 8/2/2021 2:59 PM
Envelope: 3219229
Reviewer: Victoria H

67. It is produced that may or Will contain

further anticipated that teacher e-mails will be
discussions about critical race theory curriculum or other issues 0f “interest” to the requestors
that Will contain individual teachers’ names and personally identifiable information.

70. Given the circumstances 0f the requests, it is likely that any teachers who are
identifiable and have engaged in discussions about things like critical race theory Will then be the
subj ect of teacher harassment by national conservative groups opposed to critical race theory.

WHEREFORE, the Plaintiffs respectfully pray that this Honorable Court:

A. For certain categories of documents Which are not public records under APRA,
enter declaratory judgment that the requested records are not subject to disclosure. This category
should include, but may not be limited to, personal e-mails, labor relations materials, personnel
records, disciplinary records, evaluations and other records that are incidental and d0 not concern
the official business of the School Department.

For certain categories of documents Which are potentially public records under
B.
APRA, examine the records in camera pursuant t0 § 38-2-9(b) and conduct the balancing test
contemplated in § 38-2-2(A)(I)(b) t0 determine whether the disclosure of such records would
constitute a clearly unwarranted invasion of privacy and thus, shall not be disclosed.

C. In the alternative, should certain records be subject to disclosure, to order

redaction 0f personally identifiable information 0f teachers and/or other information Which may
lead t0 the identity of such teachers contained in the documents.

D.

w
Grant the Plaintiffs such other relief as this court

Injunctive Relief
deems just and proper.

71. Plaintiffs hereby incorporate by reference Paragraphs 1 through 7O 0f the Verified

Complaint as if fillly set forth herein.

WHEREFORE, the Plaintiffs respectfully pray that this Honorable Court:

A. Temporarily, preliminarily and permanently restrain the School Department

Defendants from providing responses to any of the pending requests referenced in Appendix B
and this Verified Complaint until a determination can by made by this Court that the School
Department is required t0 produce such documents.

B. Temporarily, preliminarily and permanently restrain the School Department

Defendants from providing responses to any of the pending requests referenced in Appendix B
and this Verified Complaint until this Court conducts an appropriate i_n camera review pursuant
to § 38-2-9(b).

C. Grant the Plaintiffs such other relief as this court deems just and proper.
Case Number: PC-2021-05116
Filed in Providence/Bristol County Superior Court
Submitted: 8/2/2021 2:59 PM
Envelope: 3219229
Reviewer: Victoria H

Plaintiffs,
NEARI
NBA~SK
By their Attorney,

Isl Carly Beauvais Iafrate

Carly Beatwais Iafi'ate, #6343

Law Office of Carly B. Iafrate, PC
38 N. Court St, 3rd F1.

Providence, RI 02903
(401) 421-0065
(401) 421-0964 (fax)
[email protected]

VERIFICATION

I, Jennifer Azevedo, Deputy Executive Director of the Nationa! Education

Bsq‘,
Association Rhoda Isiand, under oath depose and say that] am familiar with the allegations of
the Complaint and the factual matters contained therein and to the best of my knowledge and
belief same are true.

STATE OF RHODE ISLAND

COUNTY 0F PROVIDENCE
507%
l

Subscmbed and sworn to before me this

Myst 202 1.

Notary Public
/
m7 MW W 773/”
Case Number: PC-2021-05116
Filed in Providence/Bristol County Superior Court
Submitted: 8/2/2021 2:59 PM
Envelope: 3219229

APPENDIX A
Reviewer: Victoria H

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mail.gmail.com>
multipart/alternative;
boundary=“@000000000003abf8a05c0fcac59"
.

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GOOGLE_GMAIL_ARCHIVE

---------- Forwarded message --—------

From: Nicole Solas
Date: Tue, Apr 27, 2021 at 4:53 PM
Subject: Re: Wakefield Elementary School Curriculum, Policies,
and
Information Request
To: Coleen Smith

And formal record requests do not provide answers to many of my

‘

questions.
Your response is a dishonest stonewalling.

If this is what the next five years 0f communication will be

like that is
very unfortunate.

On Tue, Apr 27, 2021, 4:41 PM Nicole Solas wrote:

> Can you just give me the curriculum for Kindergarten then.
>
> On Tue, Apr 27, 2021, 4:33 PM Coleen Smith wrote:
>
>> Hi Nicole
>> Thank you for your email. With the scope of your request for
information
>> on our district, I recommend that you use the link below to
submit our
>> request for this information. It will bring you to the page
0n our district
Case Number: PC-2021-05116
Filed in Providence/Bristol County Superior Court
Submitted: 8/2/2021 2:59 PM
Envelope: 3219229
Reviewer: Victoria H

>> website with directions and details.

>>
https://www.skschools.net/resources/communications/pub11c_record
s
>> Best
>> Coleen
>>
>> 0n Sun, Apr 25, 2021 at 2:09 PM Nicole Solas
>> wrote:
>>
>>> Coleen,
>>>
>>> I request the following:
>>>
>>> 1. A11 curriculum for all grades at Wakefield Elementary
School.
>>>
>>> 2. Titles and authors of all books in all classrooms and the
library
>>> that promote antiracism, race relations, any political
topics relating to
>>> Black Lives Matters and President Trump, gender theory,
transgenderism, and
>>> all topics of sexuality, sexual orientation, and sexual
education.
>>>
>>> 3. Disclosure of all policies, official and unofficial,
written and
>>> unwritten, relating to antiracism, critical race theory,
gender theory,
>>> sexual education, and any political topic.
>>>
>>> 4. Disclosure of all common practices relating to
antiracism, critical .

>>> race theory, gender theory, sexual education, and any

political topic.
>>>
>>> 5. Disclosure of all professional development trainings,
relating to
>>> gender theory, transgenderism, antiracism, critical race
theory, and
>>> political topics. Please provide the exact or approximate
dates of these
>>> trainings.
>>>
>>> 6. Disclosure of whether you keep official 0r unofficial
Case Number: PC-2021-05116
Filed in Providence/Bristol County Superior Court
Submitted: 8/2/2021 2:59 PM
Envelope: 3219229
Reviewer: Victoria H

school records
>>> relating to children's sexuality, sexual orientation, or
sexual education.
>>>
>>> 7. Disclosure of all past and present lesson plans that
incorporate or
>>> promote the ideologies of antiracism, gender theory,
transgenderism, and
>>> critical race theory.
>>>
>>> 8. 0n the phone you stated that students build upon a line
of thinking
>>> about history and I need clarity on what exactly this line
of thinking is.
>>> You stated that Kindergartners are asked "what could have
been done
>>> differently" on the first Thanksgiving. What education
objective does this
>>> lesson achieve? What education source supports this
objective?
>>>
>>> 9. On the phone you stated that it is common practice to
refrain from or
>>> be mindful of using gendered terminology, including calling
the students
>>> "boys" and "girls." Please cite the education source
supporting this
>>> practice.
>>>
>>> 10. 0n the phone you stated that children would not be
grouped according
>>> to who has "pigtails" because pigtails is considered
gendered terminology.
>>> Please cite the education source supporting your assertion
'

that the word

>>> “pigtails" is gendered terminology.
>>>
>>> 11. Disclosure of all special guests who have promoted or
Spoken about
>>> antiracism, gender theory, antiracism, race relations, race
in general, and
>>> any political topic. This includes but is not limited to a
drag queen
>>> reading to children, a transgender person reading a book to
children about
>>> sexuality 0r gender or simply speaking to students about
Case Number: PC-2021-05116
Filed in Providence/Bristol County Superior Court
Submitted: 8/2/2021 2:59 PM
Envelope: 3219229
Reviewer: Victoria H

those topics, a
>>> political activist meeting with a teacher or administrative
personnel, and
>>> any politically affiliated guest hosted or invited by the
school.
>>>
>>> 12. A11 education sources supporting lessons and curriculum
relating to
>>> antiracism, gender theory, transgenderism, race relations,
and sexual
>>> education.
>>>
>>> 13. Please define the following terms, which I presume are
embedded into
>>> the Wakefield Elementary School Curriculum:
>>>
>>> Equity
>>> Culturally Responsive Teaching
>>> Affinity Groups
>>> Implicit bias
>>> Inclusion
>>> Oppressor
>>> Colonialism
>>> Diversity (specifically, is a balanced diversity of
'

viewpoint implicit .

>>> in all curriculum?)

>>>
>>> You stated on the phone that you will respond in the first
week 0f May
>>> after testing is complete. Please feel free t0 respond as
you acquire
>>> information instead of waiting to respond comprehensively. I
anticipate
>>> providing curriculum information should be easy since it's
likely to be
>>> fully developed, approved, and accessible to principals. I
look forward to
>>> your response.
>>>
>>> Nicole Solas
>>>
>>>
>>
>> --
>> Coleen P. Smith
>> Principal
Case Number: PC-2021-05116
Filed in Providence/Bristol County Superior Court
Submitted: 8/2/2021 2:59 PM
Envelope: 3219229
Reviewer: Victoria H

>> Wakefield Elementary School

>> SKIP preschool-grade 4
>> 401~360~1207
>> SKSD Support Email is sksdsupport©sksd-ri.net or call 401-
360-1363.Use
>> this Support Desk for ANY questions.
>> For the Virtual student's laptop repair, *beginning 10/26*
>> *Tuesday Thursday only 7:30-11:30 AM*. In an emergency,
please call
>> 401—360-1303 to set up an appointment.
>>
>> Confidentiality Notice: This email, including all
attachments, is for the
>> sole use of the intended recipient(s) and may contain
confidential and
>> privileged information. Any unauthorized review, use,
disclosure or
>> distribution is prohibited. If you are not the intended
recipient, please
>> contact me and destroy all copies of this message.
>
> _..
Coleen P. Smith
Principal
Wakefield Elementary School
SKIP preschool~grade 4
401-360-1207
SKSD Support Email is-sksdsupport@sksd—ri.net or call 401-360-
1303.Use
this Support Desk for ANY questions.
For the Virtual student's laptop repair, *beginning 10/26*
*Tuesday Thursday only 7:30-11:30 AM*. In an emergency, please
call
401—360-1303 to set up an appointment.
Case Number: PC-202 -051 16
Filed in Providence/Bristol County Superior Court
Submitted: 8/2/2021 2:59 PM
Envelope: 3219229 APPEND]X B
Reviewer: Victoria H

APRA form fl DateafReq Requester Date billed: Date was an Response_Due_D Date_Resp
uest _LN Payment extension ate onded
Received: requested:
TextofRequest
not yet started

Jenna is working on
it

payment received;
response pending

Digital copies of Linda Savastano's emails 7/8/2021

47 5/15/2021 so|_As in the last six months. 5/21/2021 ck 2188 5/28/2021
Case Number: PC-2021-051 16
Filed in Providence/Bristol County Superior Court
Submitted: 8/2/2021 2:59 PM
Envelope: 3219229
Reviewer: Victoria H

140 5/27/2021 SOLAS RFP for implicit bias training 6/11/2021

All documents related to the hiring of
145 5/27/2021 SOLAS school committee attorneys. 6/11/2021

All documents related to the hiring of

Ginamarie Masiello; all performance
151 5/27/2021 SOLAS reviews. 6/11/2021

CV of Coleen Smith; all documents

related to her hiring; job performance
152 5/27/2021 SOLAS reviews. 6/11/2021

All complaints against Linda

157 5/27/2021 SOLAS Savastano. 6/11/2021

158 5/27/2021 SOLAS All complaints against Robin Wildman. 6/11/2021

‘
'a '.;r a.

5/27/2021 SOLAS containing the word, "race." 6/21/2021 6/11/2021

AH emails to or from Linda Savastano
pertaining to myself, Nicole Solas, but
exciuding emails between myself and
5/27/2021 SOLAS Linda Savastano 6/21/2021 6/11/2021
All reports of bullying in the district in

5/27/2021 SOLAS the past ten years, 6/21/2021 6/11/2021

Allemails to or from Linda Savastano
5/27/2021 SOLAS continuing the word, "whiteness." 6/21/2021 6/11/2021
All emails between Linda Savastano and Robin

5/27/2021 SOLAS Wildman in the past two years. 6/21/2021 6/11/2021

All ema'ls to orf om Lind Sa astano containin- the

All reports of violations of the Americans with

169 5/27/2021 SOLAS Disabilities Act in the past ten years. 6/11/2021
Details of implicit bias training/kingian
nonviolence training described in PO
#21000244 for $4,999.00 including location of
training, length of training, materials of training,

172 5/28/2021 SOLAS and any certifications awarded. 6/14/2021

Data on reading levels of students in South
Kingstown School District in the past three
years. Which students are reading at grade
175 5/28/2021 SOLAS level? 6/14/2021

Hours worked by all physical education

teachers during Covid restrictions when they
were teaching physical education via zoom;
coursework of physical education by all physical
education teachers when they taught on zoom
during covid restrictions. Did they receive the
same salary for teaching physical education on
188 5/28/2021 SOLAS zoom? 6/14/2021
Name of song performed by SKHS choir with
lyrics, "| watched from my window as they

gunned down an unarmed man." This

performance was posted on SKSD facebook
page on May 26. What qualifications does Ryan
Muir have to talk about race and equality with
202 5/28/2021 SOLAS choir students? 5/14/2021
Lesson plans of Ryan Muir where he talked
about race and equality with choir students;
204 5/28/2021 SOLAS lesson plan approval process. 5/14/2021
’r lL
Case Number: PC-2021-051 16
Filed in Providence/Bristol County Superior Court
Submitted: 8/2/2021 2:59 PM
Envelope: 3219229
Reviewer: Victoria H

CV of Director of Guidance at SKHS, Barbara

Crudale; salary, contract, all documents related
206 5/28/2021 SOLAS to her hiring. 6/14/2021
A|| lesson plans in which the concept of
"whiteness" as a social construct is discussed, 7/16/2021
232 5/29/2021 HARTMAN azhartman@ atall grade levels. 6/17/2021 6/14/2021
Names of all individuals who submitted public
records requests via APRA since September 1,

235 5/29/2021 HARTMAN Azhartman@ 2020. 6/17/2021 6/14/2021

| am requesting the following information

on June 9, 2021: Digital copies of meeting
minutes or other documents approving the
hiring of PR firm which produced
defamatory statement read on 6/2/21
school committee meeting; RFP for PR
firm; email communications of Henneous,

Carroll, Lombardo, Superintendent

Savastano, or any school committee
member discussing matters relating to
Nicole Solas and her APRA requests or
preparation of the defamatory statement.
Digital copy of trust or other source from
which legal fees and settlements may be
paid in relation to litigation involving South
Kingstown school committee, school
department, and/orTown of South 7/22/2021
271 6/9/0201 Coogan Kingstown. 6/24/2021 6/23/2021
Case Number: PC-2021-051 16
Filed in Providence/Bristol County Superior Court
Submitted: 8/2/2021 2:59 PM
Envelope: 3219229
Reviewer: Victoria H

290 6/20/2021 Hartman All public information on West Kingston Parent Book Club. 7/2/2021

All docs and emails with NE Basecamp and any

293 6/27/2021 Hartman individual associated with NE Basecamp. 7/12/2021

7/27/2021
$120.00
=payment
for
requests
301 7/1/2021 GoldwaterInstitute-RichefiflWH—eflw7/13/2oz1s7z#1 & #3 7/16/2021

Please provide me with any and all texts,

documents, and/or emails between Linda Savastano

and ANYBODY regarding the topic of redistricting

7/2/2021 <threeboyg@¥sand1doz between January lst, 2021 and April 9th, 2021. 7/16/2021 8/17/20217/19/2021
Case Number: PC-2021-051 16
Filed in Providence/Bristol County Superior Court
Submitted: 8/2/2021 2:59 PM
Envelope: 3219229
Reviewer: Victoria H

'7 7

7/8/2021 pril 'th 0" .

'
'

.
'

7/16/2021 8/2/20217/22/2 x

Please provide me with all email

communication between Linda
Savastano and Stacey Bodziony for the

7/9/2021 month of Apri!, 2021. 7/20/202145.00 7/16/2021 8/21/20217/23/20

303 7/10/2021 Hartman All communications between Advocacy 653-50 7/21/2021 J 7/26/2021
tins and anyone affiliated with South

799/2021
305 7/14/2021 IAFRATE 1 - A copy of all pending APRA requests as ”14/2021 "28/2021
-
A list of an 300°
oftoday, July 14, 2021; 2
pending APRA requests with the following
information: (a) the date of the request; (b)
the name of the person/entity making the
request; (c) the substance of the request
(what documents are being requested). 3 -

A copy of any and all responses by the SK

School Department (including documents
produced) to any APRA requests in the last
seven (7) days.

Please provide me with all email

correspondence related to the
subcommittee established by the
School Building Committee on March
11 regarding the RFQ of the
architectural firms involving any and all

of the following Emily Cummisky,

Raquel Pellerin, Kate Macinanti, the
Superintendent, former Town Manager
gm“
L 7/14/2021 <threeboysand1dog@yz Zarnetske, Zack Saul, and Abel Collins. 7/28/2021
Case Number: PC-2021-05116
Filed in Providence/Bristol County Superior Court
I'm A Morn Seeking Records Of Critical Race and Gender Curn'culum Now The School Corn mittee May Sue T0 Stop Me
Bf112021 (Update)
Submitted: 8/2/2021 2:59 PM
Envelope: 3219229
Reviewer: Victoria H requests ta get answers ta my questions which the School District would
LL).
not answer.
APPENDIX C
Posted by Nicole Solas Tuesday,]une 1, 2021 at 09:003m- 121
’—
Comments

lam a mother in the South Kingstown School District in Rhode Island

investigating through pubEic records requests how criticai race and gender

theories are integrated into lessons, school policies, and contracts. Now the
School Committee is considering suing me to stop me.

My child is enrolled in kindergarten and | became concerned that Critical

Race Theory (CRT) and gender theory were integrated into lessons when an
elementary school principal told me that teachers don’t refer to students as

https:fllegalinsunection.com12021f0Bfim—a—mom—seeking-requsrof—cfitical—race—a ndgender—cu niculum—now-the—school—commitlee—may—sue—tustop-___ 1(47

Case Number: PC-2021-05116
Filed in Providence/Bristol County Superior Court
I'm A Morn Seeking Records Of Critical Race and Gender Curn'culum, Now The School Com mittee May Sue To Stop Me
Bf112021 (Update)
Submitted: 8/2/2021 2:59 PM
answers. lne more quesuons aSKEG, the less answers recewea.

-
Envelope: 3219229
Reviewer: Victoria H
| |

Then Iasked for a tour ofthe elementary school and the Superintendent
offered me an in-person or virtual tour, but never responded with a date

and time despite my numerous follow-up emails and phone calls. After

almost a month of radio silence the Superintendent then told me that now
they were not offering tou rs due to Covid restrictions. Yet the
Superintendent offeredtours of other schools to campaign for a school
bond.

Ialso asked to see the elementary school curriculum. | asked the principal,

the school committee, the superintendent, the director of curriculum, and

even the legal department at the Rhode Island Department of Education to
allow me to view the curriculum. The school's Director of Curriculum told me
she was unavailable and never responded when | said |cou|d view the

curriculum on any day and time. Then a school committee member directed

me to file an Access to Public Records Act (APRA) request on thechool

district website to obtain the cu rriculum. After thirty days, I received an

incomplete curriculum and filed an APRA complaint with the Attorney

General.

By contrast, curriculum for two charters schools in South Kingstown

(Kingston Hill Academy and The Compass School) is available on their

https:fllegalinsunection.com12021f0Bfim—a—mom—seeking-requsrof—cfitical—race—a ndgender—cu niculum—now-the—school—commitlee—may—sue—tustop-___ 2(47

Case Number: PC-2021-05116
Filed in Providence/Bristol County Superior Court
I'm A Morn Seeking Records Of
Bf112021 Critical Race and Gender Curn'culum, Now The School Com mittee May Sue T0 Stop Me (Update)
Submitted: 8/2/2021 2:59 PM——'—————a——a — ~— -. --—- -—— -.--—-. --.-— -—--— u- u— --l—-—-l--—- -
Envelope: 3219229
Reviewer: Victoria H
documents that might answer my questions about CRT, gender theory, and
other concerns. When I requested the emails ofa school committee member
the estimate of what they would charge me came back as $9,570. Who can
afford that?

Under the APRA, "a reasonable charge may be made for the search or
retrieval ofdocuments. Hourly costs for a search and retrieval shall not

exceed fifteen dollars ($1 5.00) per hour and no costs shall be charged for the
first hour of a search or retrieval." Additionally, each copy costs 15 cents.

Iamended my request to narrow the scope of requested emails to six

months and requested digital copies instead of hard copies. That $9,570
estimate dropped to $79.50. I quickly realized that ifl structured many
specific and narrow requests, I could afford to purchase the public
information which was otherwise inaccessible to me due to the non-
responsiveness of my school leadership. Ifelt like I had cracked the code to
this mystery of inaccessible information.

These initial high estimates of public records requests are common barriers

to parents obtaining information about their child ren’s school district. A

parent in another Rhode Island school district received an estimate of

$1 7,295.75 to obtain public information related to the cost of an athletic

EAIA nfifinfia. Jun. fink"... tfithflmuuLthm. ta. gal. thin...“ n.- Au...t.l.d.L-.I.-.

https:fllegalinsunection.com12021f0Bfim—a—mom—seeking-requsrof—cfitical—race—a ndgender—cu niculum—now-the—school—commitlee—may—sue—tustop-___ 3J4?

Case Number: PC-2021-05116
Filed in Providence/Bristol County Superior Court
I'm A Morn Seeking Records Of Critical Race and Gender Curn'culum, Now The School Com mittee May Sue T0 Stop Me
Bf112021 (Update)
Submitted: 8/2/2021 2:59 PM
Envelope: 3219229
Reviewer: Victoria H APRA requests were not problematic if they were the su bject of sa rcasm
from a school committee member.

No one in the school department ever told me it was a problem while I was
in constant contact with them to request and purchase information. I

purchased over $300 worth of public information and shared it to a private

Facebook group to raise awareness about indoctrination in Rhode Island

schools. I developed a growing network of likeminded teachers, parents, and

community members who gave me information about CRT and gender
theory infiltrating Rhode Island school districts.

Then, on Friday, May 28, the school committee set an agenda item for a

public meeting to discuss"filing litigation against Nicole Salas to

challenge the filing of over 160 APRA requests."

My school committee now is me because submitted a lot

considering suing I

of public records requests to get answers to my questions which the School

District would not answer. This same school committee which told me to use

a statutorily prescribed process to obtain one piece of information

(curriculum) is now having a public meeting to discuss suing me for using
the same statutorily prescribed process to obtain other information. The
message was clear: ask too many questions about your child’s education and
we will come after you.

https:fllegalinsunection.com12021f0Bfim—a—mom—seeking-requsrof—cfitical—race—a ndgender—cu niculum—now-the—school—commitlee—may—sue—tustop-___ 4(47

Case Number: PC-2021-05116
Filed in Providence/Bristol County Superior Court
I'm A Morn Seeking Records 0f Critical Race and Gender
Bf112021 Curn'culum, Now The School Com mittee May Sue To Stop Me (Update)
Submitted: 8/2/2021 2:59 PM
Envelope: 3219229
Reviewer: Victoria H

The most puzzling part of this shameful abuse of government power is that
numerous attorn eys with whom I’ve consulted cannot figure out the basis of
a claim against me. There is no limit to submitting public record requests.

Fu rther, the APRA statute contemplates multipie requests made in a 30-day

period for the purpose of cost.lt states: “[M]ultiple requests from any
person or entity to the same public body within a thirty (30) day time period
shall be considered one request." Accordingly, I did not submit 160 requests
-I submitted ONE.

I suspect the South Kingstown School Department is displeased that a

parent has found a way to legally compel responses to difficult questions

surrounding CRT and gender theory in public schooi. I su5pect they are also
displeased about my criticism of the antiracism policyand appointment
and hiring policy, both of which are under review and breathtakingly racist.

The Access to Public Records Act prohibitsa government body from

compelling a citizen tojustify or explain her requests for public information.
But, heream attending my first in-person school committee meeting where
|

my own name is one of two agenda items in open session. Here am feeling I

immense pressure to explain andjustify my public information requests to

this shameful government body on pains of potentiaE Eitigation against me. A
school committee scheduling a pubiic meeting to discuss'filing lawsuit
against Nicole Salas to challenge filing of over 160 APRA requests" is
nothing short of an attempt to deprive me of my civil rights to obtain public

information about my child’s school.

Ican think ofa dozen better ways myAPRA requests could have been
addressed. The Su perintendent could have hired a temporary assistant for
$1 2 an hour to retrieve documents. If the school department is concerned
about this extra cost of fulfilling my public record requests, it should use its

https:fllegalinsunection.com12021f0Bfim—a—mom—seeking-requsrof—cfitical—race—a ndgender—cu niculum—now-the—school—commitlee—may—sue—tustop-___ 524T

Case Number: PC-2021-05116
Filed in Providence/Bristol County Superior Court
I'm A Morn Seeking Records Of Critical Race and Gender Curn'culum, Now The School Com mittee May Sue To Stop Me
Bf112021 (Update)
Submitted: 8/2/2021 2:59 PM
Envelope: 3219229
yuu-u uluguux—I III: Huywulwllu uI-yuulJc Huu- Ilu- Illuhwuu; HIIVJ uuuallu nu ruullul’

Reviewer: Victoria H
vilify a mother.

Although I am shocked that a government body would use the threat of

litigation to publicly bully, harass, and intimidate a mother who was
advocating for her child’s education, I am not afraid. And |wi|| not stop
asking questions.

This shameful retaliation against a parent who demand transparency from

public schools will not be tolerated. Every parent needs to keep asking
questions. Every parent needs to submit more public records requests when
they do not receive answers to their questions from school leaders. Hold
your elected representatives accou ntable and do not allow them to prevent
you from protecting and advocating for your children.

Ifthe school system starts to bully you because you are asking too many
questions, then you're winning. Don't give up.

UPDATE
(ADDED 6/2/2021 BY LI STAFF)

School Threatens to Sue Mom Who Sought Critical Race C...

httpsfllegalin su rrection.com12021f0Bfim—a—mom—seeking-remMSFof—cfitical—race—a ndgender—cu niculurn—n0W—me—school—commitlee—may—sue—ttystop—__ _ 6(47

Case Number: PC-2021-05116
Filed in Providence/Bristol County Superior Court
I'm A Morn Seeking Records Of
Bf112021 Critical Race and Gender Curn'culum, Now The School Com mittee May Sue T0 Stop Me (Update)
Submitted: 8/2/2021 2:59 PM
Envelope: 3219229
Reviewer: Victoria H “I
can certainly understand the difficulties facing a municipal body when
LE)
confronted with such a huge number ofAPRA requests in a short

period oftime," said Brown “However, I am also hopeful that, upon

consideration, the school committee will recognize that suing a resident
for this activity is not an appropriate response."

(ADDEDJUNE 3 BY LI STAFF)
South Kingstown (RI) School Committee Votes NOT To Sue
Mom Nicole Salas Who Sought CRT Records
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Case Number: PC-2021-05116
Filed in Providence/Bristol County Superior Court
82‘212021
Submitted: 8/2/2021 2:59 PM
Mom Says School Board Threatened t0 Sue Her for Seeking Public Information 0n Critical Race Theory in Curn'culum |
The Michigan Star
Envelope: 3219229
Reviewer: Victoria H f a

MI*
The Michigan
HAWKS THE WA Y {N NEWS
Star
MD EDUGAHOH

HOME ABOUT‘ NEWS COMMENTARY STAR NEWS F\JET"»"-.I'I.IJF-1K 'CIILJP‘JTAICIT EDUCATION FOUNDATION
l l ‘ l l

Mom Says School Board Threatened t0 Sue Her for Seeking Public .s M LR I [A:\-

Information on Critical Race Theory in Curriculum .‘1'I'rlk'

11

fi .Julgnz, 2021 I Michigan StarStaff

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by ViIginia Allen

Nicole Salas was surprised lo find her name listed on the meeting agenda of her local

school board, especially since 'rt

said the board was considering taking legal action against

her in response lo her many requests for public records.

The Rhode Island mother of two began filing records requests with the South Kingstown
School District several months ago, when she learned lhal teachers were
incorporating critical race theory and gender ideology in the curriculum.

Bul she didn’t expect the school board to talk about suing her.

"I
was shocked," Solas, 37, told The Daily Signa! in a recent phone interview. The school
board. she said, “did not tell me that [the requests were] a problem."

httpsflth emichiganstancommflfl {0711Emom-says-school—board—threatened-to-sue—her—for—seeking—public-infonnationontn‘tical—race—theoryin—cun'icu_ __ 12‘6

Case Number: PC-2021-05116
Filed in Providence/Bristol County Superior Court
82‘212021
Submitted: 8/2/2021 2:59 PM
Mom Says School Board Threatened t0 Sue Her for Seeking Public Information 0n Critical Race Theory in Curn‘culum |
The Michigan Star
Envelope: 3219229
The South Kingstown School District, about 30 miles south 0f Providence, Rhode Island,
Reviewer: Victoria H
listed “[fliling lawsuit against Nicole Salas to challenge filing 0f over ‘l
60 APRA requests" on
the sc hool board's June 2 age nda.

The school board 100k a portion 0f the meeting to discuss Solas's many requests under
Rhode Island’s Access t0 Public Records Act. Solas' requests focus on gaining information
about whal the school system teaches students relating to critical race theory and gend er

ideology.

WARROOM
"More than 200 APRA requests have been filed by a single
weeks alone." Emin Cummiskey, board chairwoman at the time,
individual

said
in just the last

June 2 in
few
a formal
I—I
LIVE Monday - Hidav
statement. 10am-129m EST I 9am-1iam CST
Spru-épm EST I 4pm-5pm CST

Cummiskey added that fulfilling Solas’s requests would take “more than 300 hours of our
district’s time” and distract from "efforts lo make our schools more equitable, inclusive, and
empowering by eradicating any harmful practices 0r prejudioes through equity and anti—
'-
W
= Advisers
racism teachings."

Four days after The Dafly Signal inquired about Solas’s concerns, the school
superintendent ate pped down June 28 without answering the request for comment.
district's
x --'-=.-::;-

UNCOMPROMISE INVESTING
Critical race theory. which has become a major concern 0f parents in school systems across LEARN MORE
the nation. incorporates Marxist theories 0f oppressor versus oppressed. It "ultim ately

defines all history and human interactions as a perpetual racial conflict." as The Dafly Signars
Jarrett Stepman has written.

LANSING
Solas enrolled her oldest child in kinderganen in the South Kingstown School District in

March. She then called lhe principal 0f the elementary school t0 schedule a tour and ask a
few questions about the curriculum before her daughter begins school in the fall.
51°
Al the end 0f the call, Soles asked the principal whether the school, whose name Soles
clear sky
wishes to keep private, ta Light anything related to critical race theory or gender identity.
95% humidity
wind: Orru's N
She said she was told that concepts related l0 critical race theory and gender ideology are H 54 -
L 48
integrated into lesso ns.

Teachers "don’t call the children boys 0r girls,” Salas said me principal told her. "They refrain 73° 76° 79° 79°
from using gender terminology.” MON TUE WED THU

Solas said the principal called "common practice” for teachers t0 use gender—neutral
it a

terminology. But when she pressed the principal on where this "common practice" came

from, Solas said. the principal told her that she did not know.

Solas also learned that a South Kingstown kindergarten teacher "asks 5-year—olds 'what

could have been done differently on lhe first Thanksgiving’

thinking about history," the mother wrote in a recent article for Legal Insurrection.
in order t0 build upon a 'Iine of
MI*
The Michigan Star
Sign up to The Michigan
Star Daily for updates,
breaking news, and special
Soles told lhe elementary school principal that she would email her a list 0f questions
offers
because she was n't receiving lhe answers she was looking for over the phone.
* indicates required

Email Address *
After she emailed the principal, school leadership asked Solas lo submit requests for public

records to gain the answers.

l
O
She began submitting those requests, and the school district was in “constant contact” with First Name *
her abo ul costs and other aspects, Soles told The Daffy Signal.
l l

"They would respond eimer with an estim ate, [0r] sometimes they would give me documents Last Name
for free,” she said.

httpsflth emichigan star_c0m!2021 {0711 Emom-says-school—board—th reatened-to-sue—her—for—seeking—pu blic-infonnationontn‘tical—race—theoran—cun'icu_ __ 22‘6

Case Number: PC-2021-05116
Filed in Providence/Bristol County Superior Court
82‘212021
Submitted: 8/2/2021 2:59 PM
Mom Says School Board Threatened t0 Sue Her for Seeking Public Information 0n Critical Race Theory in Curn'culum |
The Michigan Star

——
Envelope: 3219229
The school district "may charge a fee 0f fifteen cents ($.1 5) per page for copies and/or
Reviewer: Victoria H Sign me up!
fifteen dollars ($1 5.00) per hour. after the first hour. for search and/or retrieval 0f

documents,” according to the South Kingstown Public Schools website.

Bul she wasn't notified about an issue wilh the number of requests until she learned mat me Trending
school board, formally called the South Kingstown School Committee, was considering
taking the legal action against her, Soles said.

"You told me lo submit public record requests t0 answer my questions," Solas told school
board members, according to a recording of the June 2 meeting. "I
did what you told me,
and now you are holding a public meeting to discuss suing me for doing what you told rne to

do. This meeting was meant to publiciy humiliate me, and it didn’t work.”
Michigan’s Wisconsin
New Assembly
Diversity Speaker V05
and Expands
Inclusion Election
Director Probe
Receives
$130,800
Salary

Michigan Former
Gov. Michigan
The school board meeting ”felt like my show trial,” Salas told The Dan‘y Signal. Whitmer Senator Carl
Signs Levin Dead
Driver's at 87
During the meeting, her requests for public records were displayed on a large screen and
License
categorized by type, she said. Extensions
into Law
"It felt like they were examining exhibits t0 enter into evidence against me," she said.

The school board uttimately voted unanimously not t0 file a lawsuit against Salas, agreeing
lo seek mediation first.

Cummiskey stepped down six days later as chairwoman of the Scum Kingstown School
Committee before announcing her resignation from the bnrd entirer during a meeting June Detroit, Arizona
22. Michigan Senate
Voters to President
Decide on Karen Pann
In an impassioned speech, Cummiskey said she hopes all the people of South Kingstown
Left-Wing and Audit
"realize the damage that's being done every single day mat you all choose not to try to come ‘Proposal P’ Liaison Ken
together.” on 'I'uesday Bennett
Confirm
”We are in a dangerous place ._ and if everybody does nol take a deep, freaking breath, we Bennett Will
Remain as
are going to be in real trouble,” she said. Senate
Liaison,
Pledge
Bennett Will
Have ‘Full
Access'

Michigan Twitter
Gov. Suspends

httpsflth emichigan star_com!2021 {0711 Emom-says-school—board—th reatened-to-sue—her—for—seeking—pu blic-infonnationomcn‘tical—race—theoran—cunicu_ __ 32‘6

Case Number: PC-2021-05116
Filed in Providence/Bristol County Superior Court
82‘212021
Submitted: 8/2/2021 2:59 PM
Mom Says School Board Threatened t0 Sue Her for Seeking Public Information 0n Critical Race Theory in Curn'culum |
The Michigan Star
Envelope: 3219229 Whitmer Accounts
Reviewer: Victoria H Pitches $100 Documentin
Million for g Arizona
Affordable Audit
Housing

_
Story Calendar

JUII 2021

S M T W T F
Christie Fish, who was vice chaimoman of the board, resigned from that position following
-

the June 2 meeting, but remains a board member.

Neimer the Somh Kingstown school board, nor me school district’s superintendent, Linda
11 12 13 14 15 16 17
Savastano, responded l0 The Daily Signaf's email request June 24 for comment on specific
issues raised by Salas. 18 19 2|] 21 22 E 24

. .. __ _
25262728293031
thout spemfylng reasons, Savastano announced her reSIgnatIon as superintendent June

28, four days after The Daily Signal's inquiry. In a written statement, she said in part: "I
know
that this is the best decision for all involved.” °‘ Jun AUQ 3

The school board unanimously approved a "separation agreemem” with the superintendent
afleriust under two years, re poned The Independent, a local newspaper.

Earlier in June, Salas said she paid the school system $300 for different pieces of
information, including the emails 0f a school board member. She said she has received only
a ponion of the information requested, but what the school sent is useless.

"I
received completely redacted emails,” Solas told The Daily Signal in an email Friday.
"Everything is blacked out except for some spam and adveflisements. The school even

redacted the dates 0f emails so it is impossible for rne to know whether these emails are
from the time period | requested.”

After the June 2 meeting, the school board got in touch with her attorney and "asked me to
send them a prioritized list of which [documents covered by the Access to Public Records

Act] I wanted first,” Salas told The Daily Signal in an email June 24.

"In an effort to be reasonable," she said, "I

asked them t0 instead send me a prioritized list 0f

APRAs with deadlines they can manage.”

The school board responded by asking for a fiflday extension 0n responding to her

outstanding requests for records, Salas said. She rejected the offer, she said, because she
considered il "not an offer at all."

The school board "defamed me in a public meeting on June 2 and then later demanded I

wail an extra 60 days for them lo respond to my APRA requests," Soles lold The Daffy

Signer, adding:

J
They made no offer Io waive any fees assocfared with [my] purchasing the information

60 days rate, me no prion'tized Hsr ofAPRAs. mere was nothing in

and they ga ve this

offer for me after rhey treated me so depiorabiy

This is an offer ofnoncompfiance, and fr was so unreasonable mar! said I was nor
interested t'n
funher negotiation ofmy cfw'! right r0 access pubh'c informan'on after

httpsflth emichigan star_c0mf2021 ID?“ Zmom-says-school—board—th reatened-to-sue—her—for—seeking—pu blic-infonnationontn‘tical—race—theoran—cun'icu_ __ 42‘6

Case Number: PC-2021-05116
Filed in Providence/Bristol County Superior Court
82‘212021
Submitted: 8/2/2021 2:59 PM
Mom Says School Board Threatened t0 Sue Her for Seeking Public Information 0n Critical Race Theory in Curn'culum |
The Michigan Star
Envelope: 3219229 such deplorable treatment.
Reviewer: Victoria
I H

In early July, Salas said, she paid for ano1her $600 worih of information after receiving a

$1,000 donation from an anonymous source.

Parents should get involved and find oul what is being taught t0 their children, Solas said,

because lhe "risk of retaliation is worth your kids.”

"The people who work at schools arejust ordinary people like us, and we should not have t0

be afraid of mam,” she said.

Virginia Allen is a news producer for The Daffy Signal. She is the cohost 0f The Daily Signs!

Podcast and Probiemafic Women. Send an emai! Io Virginia.

Anwared at and reprhted frorn DnilySignaImm

D NafionaL News 6 Board of Edumfion, children, critical melhennr, CRT, education, local school beam,

mediation. meefing, Na‘tional. parental concerns, School, School choice, school oomm'rltee, Sdmol District, qwech,

students. Superintendent. tn'al. mfing

d: Commentary: Biden’s Domestic Terrorism ICE Won’t 9918i" MOST Migrant Women Who Are
Strategy Has Roots in Clinton Years New or Expecting Mothers for Deportation:

Repon »

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