The hatchet’s buried.

Lawrence school board President Leonard Ortiz and fifth-grade teacher Haley Bruns met Friday morning to resolve allegations that Ortiz had chastised Bruns for supporting a construction project he opposed. Afterward, they released a joint statement:

• “As president of the Lawrence Board of Education, I welcome public comment, including the sharing of differences of opinion, and value open, healthy discussion of any and all school matters before the board,” Ortiz said.
• “I believe Dr. Ortiz was sincere and understands that because he is in a position I greatly respect, I took his comments very seriously. I want only the best for our school district and the board. I feel we have resolved the issue that divided us,” Bruns said.

Earlier, Bruns had accused Ortiz of trying to bully her after Monday’s school board meeting, during which she spoke in favor of an ornamental tower proposed for Lawrence High School. Ortiz had said his comments were misunderstood.