School director Ben Callies ordered to file missing disclosures, faces $5,000 penalty (partially suspended)

The PDC heard a staff presentation alleging Ben Callies, a Mossy Rock School District board director, failed to file a 2025 personal financial affairs statement and has a history of prior violations and unpaid penalties referred to collections. Commissioners moved to find a violation, assess a $5,000 civil penalty and suspend $2,500 of that amount if the missing reports and outstanding balances are resolved within 30 days.

Staff noted Callies has two prior violations and that past penalties had been referred to collections. Commissioners discussed the practicalities of collections and whether to pursue Attorney General referral in select cases; the chair said referrals have been used sparingly because of litigation costs. The motion as moved included conditional suspension contingent on timely filings and resolution of outstanding collection balances.