JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. – Amidst all of the recent controversy regarding the Missouri State Board of Education, two lawsuits have emerged as a result of the last meeting of the board and the attempt by some members to oust the current commissioner, Dr. Margie Vandeven.
Two cases in which the board is being sued have been filed in the Cole County Circuit Court, and Judge Daniel Green was assigned to hear them.
State Board of Education sued for violating Sunshine Law during vote to oust Commissioner
But recent posts on social media by the judge have left some wondering as to whether the judge can deliver an impartial ruling.
On Sunday evening, the judge posted to his Facebook profile, asking who funds the Council of Chief State School Officers (CCSSO). Dr. Vandeven, prior the board’s vote, had been elected as the newest member of the CCSSO on November 15.
“Do you think the State pays her dues? Do they pay for her travel to the Board meetings? I just find it ironic that this is mentioned in an editorial supporting her when this is the type of thing the Governor is talking about,” Green wrote.
As of Wednesday morning, a motion was filed by the attorney in the case involving the alleged Sunshine Law violations asking for a change of judge, though the reason for the motion is unclear. Attorney Duane Martin confirms that Judge Green will not be handling that case, but as of now, he is still listed as the judge in the other case filed on the behalf of Tim Sumners.
The Missouri Times has reached out to Judge Green for comment but no response has been received at this time.
Benjamin Peters was a reporter for The Missouri Times and Missouri Times Magazine and also produced the #MoLeg Podcast. He joined The Missouri Times in 2016 after working as a sports editor and TV news producer in mid-Missouri. Benjamin is a graduate of Missouri State University in Springfield.