Central CUSD 301 board censures president, refers possible removal after dispute over handling of former member's resignation and student-record matter

The Central CUSD 301 Board of Education voted in open session to censure Board President Jeff Gorman and referred a recommendation to remove him to the Regional Office of Education after public comment and lengthy board debate about a meeting with former board member Fred Vogt and an alleged student-records disclosure.

The vote followed public testimony from Fred Vogt, who said he was summoned to a May meeting with Gorman and Superintendent Dr. Mongan and that he resigned after feeling pressured. “I was bullied and backed into a corner,” Vogt told the board during public comment, adding that he had been “told that I shouldn't be responding to the emails that I was receiving from the community” and that he “resigned under duress.”

Board member Jay Afif introduced materials and a memo he said documented communications surrounding the meeting and Vogt's resignation. Afif told colleagues he found it “shocking and appalling that a board member was approached…