Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Board Discipline Grievance topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Godley ISD board denies Level 3 grievance by community member Peter Svensson; courtesy letter remains in district file
Summary
After a formal Level 3 hearing March 17, the Godley ISD Board of Trustees voted 3–1 to deny a grievance from community member Peter Svensson and to uphold a courtesy letter warning about staff interactions; the board followed witness statements from three employees and a district safety director’s written notice.
The Godley ISD Board of Trustees voted 3–1 on March 17 to deny a Level 3 complaint filed by community member Peter Svensson and to uphold a courtesy letter the district sent to Svensson after a November 18 board meeting.
The decision follows a contested hearing held in open session under Texas Government Code provisions cited by the board. Board President Craig Stevenson opened the hearing and outlined procedure and record limits ahead of presentations by Svensson’s attorney and district counsel.
The board said it relied on witness statements from three attendees who described approaching and following teachers after public comments. In a letter read aloud during the hearing, Brian Hunt, director of safety and well‑being for Godley ISD, told Svensson, “This letter is being issued as a courtesy to remind you that all interactions with district staff and other attendees at board meetings must remain respectful and professional.” The letter advised making appointments and using appropriate venues for district staff conversations.
Scott Kane, attorney for Svensson, said his client did not intend to intimidate staff and asked the board to retract the courtesy letter and add a public statement clearing Svensson. Kane said the district’s letter was official because it used district stationery and could appear in public records if released under an open‑records request.
Grant Moore, counsel for the administration, told trustees the courtesy letter was intended to protect staff and encourage respectful interactions. Moore asked the board to “uphold the level 2 decision” and said witness statements and the district’s policy on public participation supported sending the letter.
After questions from trustees and brief discussion, a motion to deny Svensson’s appeal (thereby upholding the district’s prior action) passed by voice vote, 3 in favor and 1 opposed. The board did not order further discipline; the courtesy letter remains part of the district’s records.
Trustees, staff and speakers who participated in or were referenced during the hearing included board president Craig Stevenson and trustees Kayla Lane, Terry Goodlove and Simone Mankrey; district counsel Ross Mitchell and Grant Moore; Scott Kane (attorney for Svensson); Svennson’s supporters who testified (Bethany Van Warren, Amy Simmons, and CFO Spencer Davis); and Brian Hunt (district safety director). The board said it relied on the written record prepared for the Level 3 hearing and did not accept new documents.
The board noted that public comment rules limit when and how attendees address staff and board members, and trustees emphasized the district’s interest in protecting employees’ sense of safety during public meetings.
The board did not vote to impose a no‑trespass warning at the hearing; trustees said future conduct that mirrored the letter’s descriptions could prompt additional measures under district policy.
The decision concludes the Level 3 administrative appeal; parties were informed of their legal rights following the board’s final vote.
