The Warren County School District has issued a formal public statement in response to repeated concerns raised by local resident Julia Foster, who has accused district officials of dishonesty and a lack of transparency regarding a past personnel matter.

Foster, who spoke again during the public comment period of a recent WCSD Board of Directors meeting, has brought similar concerns to the board’s attention over the past several months. Her continued allegations have prompted the board to address the issue publicly, an uncommon move driven by the ongoing nature of her complaints.

“Because she has repeatedly raised these issues and now has attracted media attention, the Board is taking the unusual step of issuing a public response,” the statement reads.

The board emphasized that its response is constrained by legal obligations to protect employee confidentiality.

According to the statement, the original matter cited by Foster involved a personnel issue that was handled “in accordance with district policy and legal guidance.” A complete internal investigation was conducted with labor counsel’s assistance, and the matter proceeded to arbitration, where the employee was represented by union officials and legal counsel.

The independent arbitrator concluded that the district acted appropriately.

In addition, Foster filed a separate complaint involving current Superintendent Gary Weber, alleging misconduct in relation to the initial personnel matter and arbitration process. However, the district clarified that Weber was not serving as superintendent at the time of the relevant events.

While details of the board’s review cannot be disclosed due to personnel confidentiality rules, the statement affirms that “the review was conducted thoroughly and in good faith,” and that Foster “received the most complete response that the law allows.”

“Many of Mrs. Foster’s concerns involve personnel matters,” the board said in its statement. “The district is legally required to maintain the confidentiality of employee records, and as such cannot disclose all details.”

Officials acknowledged that this lack of access to protected information may have contributed to what they described as “misunderstandings or misstatements about the facts.”

The board concluded its statement by reaffirming its commitment to fairness, transparency within legal limits, and respect for all individuals involved.

“We understand that Mrs. Foster is dissatisfied with these outcomes,” the statement noted. “However, the District has been as transparent as permitted by law, and the conclusions reached have been supported by independent review.”