McMinnville School Board accepts superintendent separation agreement after contested meeting

McMinnville — After more than three hours of public comment and extensive board discussion, the McMinnville School District Board of Directors voted 5-2 on April 14 to accept a separation agreement with Superintendent Debbie Brockett. The agreement places Brockett on leave through June 30 and provides for salary and insurance benefits for the 2025–26 school year under terms the board said would be finalized in the written separation; the transcript does not specify a dollar amount.

The agreement also includes a waiver by Brockett of future legal claims against the district and provision for limited cooperation during the transition, according to materials the board discussed in public session. The board named Director Stephanie Frost to serve as acting superintendent during the interim period.

The vote followed a polarized public comment period in which dozens of residents, parents, staff and students addressed the board. Speakers offered sharply divided views: many urged removal of the superintendent, citing personnel and program concerns, while others — including district staff, union leaders and business leaders — urged the board to retain Brockett. The board also earlier considered, and failed to carry, a separate motion related to the superintendent’s annual evaluation (that vote did not pass 4–3), a fact board members referenced as context before the separation vote.

In a statement read into the record by board staff, Superintendent Brockett said she "has chosen to sign this resignation agreement because I have led for the past 30 years with one guiding principle, always do what's best for students." The statement also said she would remain in the community and "cheer from the sidelines." The full text was entered into the public record during the meeting.

Board counsel described the options available to the board, noting that termination without cause is a lawful option but carries financial consequences. The separation agreement the board considered contains the district’s standard protections, including a broad release of claims by the superintendent, and provides for paid leave through June 30 and continued benefits as specified in the agreement.

Board members who voted in favor said the action would allow the district to begin a search for new leadership and to reduce what some described as a prolonged period of community division. Those opposed cited Brockett’s financial stewardship, program work and improvements they said occurred during her tenure and said removal without a finding of cause would harm district stability.

The board completed the vote with a public roll call: Ayes — Directors Bader, Volmer, Towery, Anderson and Partita; Nays — Chair Bizon and Vice Chair Warmbier. Motion carries 5–2.

Next steps identified by the board included finalizing the written separation agreement, posting the acting superintendent appointment, and working with legal counsel and district staff to plan a search for permanent leadership. Board members said they would try to limit disruption to classrooms while the transition proceeds.

Because the separation agreement will be added to the district record, board members and legal counsel said additional details of the written terms and any financial settlement will be included in public records as allowed by law once the agreement is finalized.

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