(WKBN) CANFIELD — Green Township trustee Randy Chismar has filed an open records lawsuit against the South Range School District, alleging violations of Ohio’s Sunshine law.

According to the complaint filed Dec. 29, 2025, Chismar says that the South Range School Board held a special meeting on June 9, 2025, and that “notice of the meeting was inconsistent and deficient as to purpose,” the lawsuit read.

At the meeting, Chismar says that the Board adopted a superintendent contract addendum, approved a contract extension, approved labor contracts, and accepted staff resignations that were not properly noted.

Chismar said they didn’t advertise a purpose or place for the meeting.

“Their public notices are required to state the time, place, and any purpose being discussed at that meeting or special meetings,” Chismar said. “On their website, they did not advertise any purpose or any place…the website is what I’m focused on.”

Chismar added that there were notices in a couple of local newspapers, but the information was inconsistent.

“Not only did they not follow state law, but they also did not follow their own policy,” Chismar said.

Chismar wants the court to nullify the Board’s action at the meeting and order future compliance with Ohio’s open meetings laws. He also wants the Board to pay court costs.

The South Range School Board issued the following statement about the lawsuit, but has not filed a response yet in court:

“Our district was surprised to be served with a lawsuit alleging a violation of Ohio`s Sunshine Law. Transparency and open government are essential to ‘The Raider Way,’ and our board strives to comply with all legal requirements, seeking honest communication and collaboration with our community. Our Board intends to review the allegations carefully with legal counsel and respond through the appropriate legal process. Throughout this process, we will remain committed to conducting District business in an open and lawful manner. Our Board’s focus is, and always has been, serving students, staff and the community. We appreciate the community’s understanding as legal proceedings will limit any further detailed communication regarding this matter.”

Laura Chismar, Randy Chismar’s wife, was just elected to the school board in November 2025.