Robbinsdale schools gives up on mediation, an investigation is happening instead

The Robbinsdale Area Schools Board of Directors has been struggling to communicate and reach agreements. The board initially contracted with a Mediation Center late last year to resolve board conflicts. In March, the mediators interviewed the seven board members, cabinet members and others. They then created a report and suggested the next steps in May. Mediators claimed the board struggles with a lack of collaboration, a lack of board structure and process and a lack of inclusive culture. Many solutions were offered, including mediation, living room conversations, restorative circles and taking personality tests. The board was advised to think about mediation before committing to another contract--save one pairing in particular. The mediators recommended Director Helen Bassett and Chair ReNae Bowman undergo early intervention immediately, to improve board meetings. Both directors would speak individually to a moderator and then together. These sessions would not be open to the public. The board voted to fund this one-time early intervention.

Bowman completed her individual portion of the early intervention. However, Bassett is no longer interested. Director Kim Holmes has also given up on mediation and said during a recent work session she had “no hope for mediation with this group” despite initial optimism.

Recently the board met in a closed session pursuant to Minnesota Statute 13D.05 subdivision 2b for consideration of allegations or charges against an individual or individuals subject to the board’s authority.

According to the minutes, Bassett moved to conduct an investigation of allegations made by board directors against other board members. Holmes seconded the motion. The motion had passed 7-0. The board directed Interim Superintendent Marti Voight and counsel to identify and retain an investigator.

Tentatively, investigators will speak with each board member for an hour and a half on June 18.

During a recent work session, Bowman asked Bassett about backing out of early intervention. Bowman said she was disappointed Bassett was not interested in the early intervention anymore, especially since Bassett had voted in favor of spending about $3000 to $6000 on early intervention at the beginning of May.

“I’m not taking responsibility for that,” Bassett said.

Bassett said she had not finished reading the report before she voted to go forward.

“After I read the report, I will say that I was quite disappointed,” Bassett said.

Bassett went on to say she thought it was “not comprehensive.” Bassett added she did not want to speak with a mediator who had been chosen for her.

“I feel uncomfortable,” Bassett said. “...And quite frankly I feel like I don’t need a mediation. What I need is fairness.”

Bassett went on to say she feels publicly disrespected in many ways. According to Bassett, others on the board are allowed to ask more questions than her, there are rolling eyes and sighs following her comments and she is asked to wrap up her thoughts unfairly. Bassett directed her statements to Bowman.

“I see you doing that all the time,” Bassett said.

Bowman said she had hoped the interventions would prevent board meetings from running until 1 a.m. as they often do.

“We don’t have to like each other or even respect each other, what we have to do is get the work done,” Bowman added.

Bassett suggested the board look into some of the free options the Mediation Center had suggested instead.

Director Sharon E. Brooks had been the sole vote against the early intervention, calling it “incomplete.”

“Not including what staff and administration had to say in that report was a misstep and may have changed the dynamics of the intervention recommendation,” Brooks said. “It may not have been just between two board members, it may have been multi-board members and some administration. Much was left out and I don’t think it’s just between Bowman and Bassett for a solution. Even in the initial steps, I think other recommendations should have taken place.”

Brooks suggested Bassett and Bowman, and perhaps other pairs, should have coffee together to chat “on an adult level.”

Bowman did not believe a coffee date could improve their working relationship:

“It pains me to hear people say ‘oh this could be done on an adult level’ when we got board members that are calling attorneys behind our backs. ... That negates any sort of ‘let’s have a cup of coffee.’”

Holmes responded.

“I have filed a complaint,” Holmes said. “I’m looking forward to an investigation so we can talk about it factually.”

Brooks said she was also looking forward to the investigation.