Des Moines school board approves agenda and votes unanimously to enter closed session on litigation strategy

The Des Moines Independent Comm School District board approved its April 9, 2024, special meeting agenda and voted unanimously to enter a closed session to discuss strategy with counsel on matters currently in litigation or where litigation is imminent.

Board member Miss Marano moved to approve the agenda and Mr. Dicks seconded; the chair announced the agenda vote as approved. Later, a motion to move into closed session under Iowa Code section 21.5 (as recited during the meeting) was made and seconded by Miss Alonzo and Miss Dicks, respectively. The chair called for a roll and the board voted to go into closed session by a count announced as seven to zero.

Before the closed session the chair informed the public they would be asked to leave the room while the board met in private for approximately 45 minutes to an hour; the board planned to reconvene at 8:00 p.m. for a scheduled budget work session after the closed session.

"Let's give five minutes for hugs and celebrations," the chair said, and the board took a short recess before entering closed session.