Hoover Board of Education calls for Nov. 14 meeting

Donald B. Sweeney, Jr., the attorney for the Hoover Board of Education, requested a closed board meeting Nov. 14 at 3 p.m.

Although legal processes prohibit the board from disclosing what will be discussed in the executive session, Alabama Legislative Code Section 36-25A-7 outlines the types of things that could be discussed. 

Executive sessions, or closed meetings, may only be held under certain circumstances. One of which is to discuss with their attorney the legal ramifications of and legal options for pending litigation.

Therefore, it is a possibility that the meeting was called to discuss Robin Litaker's lawsuit filed against Superintendent Andy Craig and the Board of Education. Litaker, the former principal of Trace Crossings Elementary School, claimed sexual discrimination when she was demoted for failure to meet adequate yearly progress standards. The lawsuit, filed in the U.S. District Court, also claims that the male principals in the school system were allowed to keep their positions despite not meeting the same standards.

A closed meeting could also be called to discuss the general reputation and character, physical condition, professional competence, or mental health of individuals, or to discuss to discuss the job performance of certain public employees.

When expressly allowed by federal law or state law, the board may also consider the discipline or dismissal of, or to hear formal written complaints or charges brought against a public employee, or an individual.

The Certificate of Compliance, which was dated Nov. 12, states that no action will be taken at the executive session.