Multiple speakers urge resignation after trustee—s comments; trustee apologizes and resists calls to step down
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Summary
Several Manhattan residents used public comment on Nov. 5 to demand the resignation of Trustee Katie Allen, saying her prior remark that a death was "well deserved" harmed the community; the trustee said she apologized, rejected calls to resign and urged dialogue while describing abuse she says she—s received.
Multiple residents addressed the Board of Education on Nov. 5 sharply criticizing a trustee—s earlier remark and urging resignation or further action; Trustee Katie Allen addressed the meeting, said she had apologized and declined to step down.
Several public speakers — including John Rannen, Gavin Hampton, Tim Gautje and Frank Beer — told the board they were wounded by a trustee—s comments about a recent death and said the remarks were incompatible with the tone they expect from elected school leaders. "When an elected official ... declares that death was well deserved, something inside this community breaks," said Gavin Hampton, one of the commenters, urging that an apology be followed by actions to rebuild trust. Tim Gautje said, "That board member has no business serving here and needs to step down." Several speakers said they had attempted to engage the trustee privately but had received no response.
Trustee Katie Allen addressed the board during comments. She said she had apologized previously and that she had attempted to engage in dialogue; she also described receiving abusive messages and criticized "adult bullying" outside the meeting. "I have apologized. I'm open for apologies," Allen said, adding she would not resign.
Board members and other trustees used their allotted comments to urge civility and to note the limits of the board—s authority. Some board members reiterated that differences of opinion exist and encouraged formal processes for review and dialogue. The board did not take formal disciplinary action at the Nov. 5 meeting.
The speakers' demand for accountability and the trustee—s refusal to resign were recurring themes across public comment and board discussion, and trustees said several follow-up items (policy reviews and committee meetings) would continue in the coming weeks.