A circuit court judge dismissed Oct. 20 a lawsuit brought by an editor of The State newspaper against Lexington-Richland School District 5.

The suit, filed by Senior Editor Paul Osmundson, concerned how a settlement, including a payment of $226,368, was reached with former superintendent Christina Melton, alleging that the school board’s 2021 decision in the matter was reached behind closed doors in violation of state open meetings law.

Judge Alison Renee Lee dismissed the suit, according to court documents, on the grounds that “a hearing must be held within ten days of the service on all parties and a scheduling order to conclude the action must be held within six months. In this current matter, no hearing was held within the allotted timeframe.”

The decision does not address any other aspects of the suit nor the substance of the allegations brought by Osmundson.

“We respect the judge’s decision and we are discussing options with our attorney,” Brian Tolley, The State’s executive editor, is quoted in the paper’s story about the dismissal.

Jan Hammond, Lexington-Richland 5 board chair, released a statement about the decision. She is exiting the board when her current term ends in November.

“As outgoing school board chair, I am pleased to learn that the South Carolina Circuit Court has dismissed the Freedom of Information Act lawsuit brought by the editor of The State newspaper Paul Osmundson,” Hammond’s statement reads. “From the beginning, this lawsuit was improperly brought and a waste of taxpayer resources. The School District strives to comply with all state and federal laws. Transparency in its operations is important for the good of the community.

“Any suggestions to improve the operation of the schools are welcome from the community, Mr. Osmundson or The State newspaper,” it continues. “Members of the community are entitled to know how the school district operates. Their participation and questions are welcome.

“Hopefully, further lawsuits of the sort brought by Mr. Osmundson can be avoided in the future so as to not waste taxpayer resources that can be invested in the education of our children,” Hammond’s statement concludes. “Mr. Osmundson and the State Newspaper are encouraged to cooperate with the schools and educate the children of the Midlands, rather than expend taxpayer resources on improperly brought lawsuits. There is always room for more people committed to the education of our children.”