Gulf County School Board pulls personnel item after public comment; no action taken

The Gulf County School Board on June 3 voted to remove a personnel item from the consent agenda for further review after a member of the public presented documents related to an employee termination.

Brian Baird, a resident who identified himself as speaking on behalf of his wife, handed the board a packet of documents and said the materials concerned a letter from “Mister Barnes” alleging falsification connected to his wife’s termination. “I just want to clear the air to defend my wife's honor,” Baird said during public comment.

The board then pulled “page 9” — a personnel item that had been scheduled in the consent agenda — for additional consideration. The motion to pull the item was made by Mr. Knopf and seconded by Board member Gainer; the board voted to remove the item from consent. Mr. Kelly, the board chair, said the board needed time for “due diligence” before deciding: “we need a little more time as a board to look into this and to make sure that that we have our eyes dotted our t's cross.”

No formal disciplinary or employment decision was taken at the meeting. Board members said the matter will be investigated further and return to a future agenda for additional action or resolution. The chair said the board would follow applicable laws and consult with its attorney as needed before any final vote.

The rest of the consent agenda and other business proceeded after the item was removed.

The personnel item remains withdrawn from the consent vote; the board did not set a date at the meeting for when the matter will return to the agenda.