Public Comments Focus on Larson Lawsuit During QVSD Board Meeting

Published 1:30 am Thursday, July 2, 2026

The Quillayute Valley School District Board of Directors met Tuesday, June 23, in the Forks High School Library, where the majority of the evening’s public comment centered once again on the ongoing concerns surrounding the Larson v. QVSD lawsuit and calls for greater transparency from district leadership.

Rod Larson was the first speaker during public comment, criticizing what he described as a “culture of silence” within the district.

Calling the board’s stance “silence is golden” and “ugly silence,” Larson said the district’s lack of communication amounted to a conspiracy to protect its image.

“Silence speaks volumes,” Larson said. “Silence is at the heart of the issue.”

Larson urged the board to move away from confidentiality and secrecy and instead embrace transparency and communication with the community. He said he understood the district’s insurance risk pool costs were to increase by 45 percent, suggesting that indicated a larger problem. He questioned district statements that students are safe, saying he would give the administration an “F” grade on the issue.

Larson also referenced cash settlements related to the lawsuit and mentioned rumors of an assault in a boys’ restroom, urging the district to “face reality, communicate, act now, and embrace a culture of communication.”

Megan Harris told the board she had lived in the Forks community for 10 years but had removed her children from Quillayute Valley schools because she feared for their safety.

Harris said she believed Superintendent Diana Reaume had violated her contract and that the school board had a responsibility to be transparent with the public. She asked the board not to increase the superintendent’s salary and also expressed concerns regarding lead in the district’s drinking water.

Shannon Gaydeski told the board she was “here again” and said she was tired of repeatedly addressing the same concerns.

She said the board’s lack of action following her sister’s lawsuit had been frustrating and questioned why there had been no resolution.

“I don’t know what else to do,” Gaydeski said, urging board members to speak with her directly and find out what is happening. She also noted that her sister had been awarded attorney’s fees and asked board members if they were aware of that development.

Pam Gale, who testified during the Larson trial, said she had told the truth during her testimony and continued to stand by it. Gale said she has since been threatened because of her involvement in the case.

She described vehicles swerving toward her and said she had received a threat involving the mention of a firearm.

“I am seeking protection for myself,” Gale told the board. “I have been an active and caring community member, but this is a hostile environment.”

Gale added that her husband had previously volunteered his time serving on the school board and said she attended the meeting because she wanted to make a positive difference.

Following public comment, the board moved into regular business.

A new district-wide phone system that will replace aging equipment was discussed. The new system is expected to save the district money while improving emergency response capabilities, including enhanced 9-1-1 features. Every classroom and office throughout the district will receive the upgraded phones, and the system can also be expanded to include video capabilities in the future.

The board also discussed replacing carpeting outside the commons area.

Facilities Director Bill Henderson updated the board on plans for the new athletic fields near Forks Elementary School. The project will be completed in three phases and will include separate fields for boys’ and girls’ baseball/fastpitch, a new restroom facility, improved drainage, scoreboards, and artificial turf.

Henderson said the drainage improvements will also help address flooding issues at Forks Elementary School. Construction of the first phase is expected to take approximately two years and will temporarily displace some playground activities at Forks Elementary. Once complete, the new fields will eliminate muddy playing conditions and provide improved athletic facilities for students.

Forks High School Principal Brenda King led a discussion on possible changes to the district’s valedictorian and salutatorian selection process, particularly as it relates to homeschooled students and those participating in Running Start.

King said she has been reviewing policies used by other school districts after this year’s valedictorian had been homeschooled for much of her education. She said the district is looking at tightening eligibility requirements, with additional discussion expected at a future meeting.

Superintendent Diana Reaume recognized the district’s food service staff for successfully completing a recent four-month audit.

Reaume said she was proud of the department’s performance and praised staff for receiving a very positive review.