Emotional Public Comments Continue at QVSD Board Meeting

Published 1:30 am Thursday, May 14, 2026

Tensions surrounding the recent Larson vs. QVSD court case and concerns about district policies continued during the public comment period at the April 28 meeting of the Quillayute Valley School District Board of Directors.

Prior to public comments, Board Chair Bill Rohde reviewed the board’s rules for public participation and reminded attendees of limitations regarding discussion of personnel matters.

Rodney Larson was the first to address the board, raising concerns about SafeSport policies and boundaries involving coaches and student athletes. Larson questioned what types of physical contact are considered appropriate in educational settings, specifically referencing back massages and athlete interactions.

“I asked Mr. Weekley, ‘Are you comfortable with this?’” Larson said, while also directing questions to Superintendent Diana Reaume regarding district oversight. Larson described the issue as “a wake-up call” and said concerns about personal boundaries and grooming behavior needed to be addressed.

Shannon Gaydeski followed, saying many community members remain concerned about student interactions and allegations of sexual misconduct. She called for greater transparency and accountability from the district.

Larson also questioned decisions made during the recent school lockdown incident, specifically asking whether it was appropriate for a track team that had already boarded a bus to leave campus to instead be brought back into the building after the initial lockdown was announced. She thanked local law enforcement for their response during the incident.

Former school board member Rick Gale attempted to comment, starting with the history of hiring of district administrators, but was stopped by Rohde, who stated personnel matters could not be discussed in open session.

Pam Gale then addressed the board, stating she served as an assistant track coach for 30 seasons and had testified during the recent trial.

“I testified to tell the truth,” Gale said. “The truth does not prevail but sets me free.”

Gale alleged concerns involving middle school athletes and referenced an incident in which lights were reportedly off while the coach was alone with a high school girl. She said video footage related to the incident had not been produced and stated allowing the coach to return was “an injustice.”

Following her comments, Rick Gale questioned why he had been stopped from speaking while his wife had been allowed to continue.

Community member Sarah Hanson spoke about the recent lockdown, saying “a lot went right” during the incident but suggesting the district should consider a formal debriefing process for students, staff and families affected.

Hanson also raised questions about procedures for students who may be off campus during emergencies and suggested discussions regarding reunification plans and possible additional security measures, including metal detectors.

Rohde responded that further discussion regarding debriefing procedures and district policy may be appropriate.

In other board business, Transportation Director Tami Shaner was recognized ahead of her retirement after 38 years with the district’s transportation department.

The board also discussed concerns surrounding proposed land transfers and trust land issues involving the Washington State Department of Natural Resources. Superintendent Reaume expressed concern about potential revenue losses tied to those transfers, and board members discussed the possibility of sending a letter regarding the issue.

District enrollment was reported at 816 students.

Board members also discussed preliminary planning for a proposed new middle school ahead of a potential November bond measure.

During a “Spotlight on Success” presentation, Ashlyn Coburn shared information about programs supporting students in need, including clothing vouchers, school supplies, and efforts to increase parent participation, attendance and ultimately graduation rates. Coburn also discussed the importance of teaching healthy relationships and helping students stay connected to school.

The board additionally received an update on the district’s New Teacher Academy program, which aims to support and retain new educators. Administrators noted that teachers often leave due to lack of connection and ongoing housing shortages in the area, making local support systems especially important.