Back Creek District calls for recall of school board chairman over nepotism violation

The Frederick County Board of Supervisors meeting on December 11, 2024, featured significant citizen comments regarding a recall effort against the school board chairman, alongside discussions on the importance of free speech during public meetings.

During the citizen comment segment, James Mulder from the Back Creek District raised concerns about the school board chairman's alleged violation of policy and state law by voting to hire his daughter. Mulder emphasized that this action constituted a breach of nepotism laws and questioned the support of Supervisor Jewell for the chairman, suggesting that lawbreakers should face consequences. He also highlighted the value of open forums for public expression, asserting that citizens should feel free to voice their opinions without fear of backlash.

In response to Mulder's comments, Board members acknowledged the importance of maintaining a respectful environment during public discussions. One supervisor noted that while free speech is vital, it is equally important to ensure that citizens feel safe and unthreatened when speaking at meetings. This sentiment was echoed as supervisors expressed their wishes for a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year, reinforcing a sense of community.

The meeting concluded with a motion to enter a closed session to discuss prospective candidates for the County Attorney position and matters related to publicly held real property. The board unanimously approved the motion, indicating a focus on future governance and administrative decisions.

Overall, the meeting underscored the ongoing tensions surrounding local governance and the significance of maintaining civil discourse in public forums.