Madison Metropolitan School District board votes to enter closed session on litigation

An unidentified presiding officer for the Madison Metropolitan School District board moved Monday that the board enter a closed session to confer with legal counsel about litigation strategy, citing Wisconsin statute as the legal basis for the closed meeting.

"I move that the board of education go into closed session, pursuant to Wisconsin state statute sections 19.85(1)(g), for the purpose of conferring with legal counsel for the governmental body rendering oral or written advice concerning strategy to be adopted by the body with respect to litigation in which it is or is likely to become involved," the unidentified presiding officer said.

The presiding officer called the roll. The transcript records votes of "Aye" from Board member Muldrow, Board member Saravo, Vice President Pearson, Board member Vander Meulen and the presiding officer; the motion passed and the board moved into closed session. The transcript does not provide additional public details about the litigation, the parties involved, or any follow-up schedule.

Under Wisconsin law, Wis. Stat. § 19.85(1)(g) allows governmental bodies to meet in closed session to consult with legal counsel about litigation strategy. The board’s action suspended public discussion of the subject; the public record available here ends with the vote to enter closed session.

No further public action or timing for return to open session was recorded in the transcript.