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Mahomet-Seymour board adds language to policy allowing censure, referral for removal
Summary
At its Aug. 18 meeting, the Mahomet-Seymour Board of Education voted to add language to policy 2:80 (board member oath and conduct) giving the board the option to refer alleged violations to the regional superintendent and to adopt formal censure.
At the Mahomet-Seymour Community Unit School District 3 Board of Education meeting on Aug. 18, board members voted to add language to Policy 2:80 (Board Member Oath and Conduct) that explicitly allows the board to pursue formal censure or refer a member to the regional superintendent for removal from office.
The change amends the press-119 policy update package and adds a sentence giving the board the option to request action by the regional superintendent under existing removal procedures. Supporters said the language creates clarity and “teeth” for addressing conduct that violates a member’s oath, while several members warned the change could have unintended consequences if misused.
Board discussion focused on how any removal process would work and who would make final decisions. A staff member summarized existing practice: "If someone is repeatedly breaking the code of conduct or oath of office, there would be a resolution that the board could pass in order to send it to the regional superintendent," and the regional superintendent could then act under Policy 2:60 (Board Member Removal from Office).
Some members expressed concern that the added sentence is still broad and lacks specific procedural steps for investigation, warning it could be used unfairly in partisan disputes. Others said the amendment is primarily a reminder to elected officials of their oath and a mechanism for addressing clear violations, such as repeatedly disclosing closed-session material to the public.
The board voted by roll call to approve the press-119 updates with the added language. The motion passed on a majority vote. After the vote several members asked staff to return with any clarifying process language or legal guidance at a future meeting so the board understands the steps involved before a referral would be made.
The board did not adopt any supplementary procedural rules at the meeting; the amendment adds the policy language but leaves the detailed process and thresholds to be considered later.
Officials said the goal is to balance accountability for elected members with protections against the policy being applied to routine disagreements among members.
