Schenectady school board votes to issue letter of criticism to member Jamaica Miles after disciplinary disputes

The Schenectady City School District Board of Education voted Nov. 5 to issue a formal letter of criticism to board member Jamaica Miles over her recent public comments regarding student disciplinary actions at a district high school.

Board President Bernice opened the item by saying the board had discussed the matter in executive session and that "a letter of criticism is within the authority of the board of education." The resolution was presented in open session and the board took a roll-call vote after members discussed legal advice and concerns about transparency.

The resolution, as read by the president, said the board holds members to "the highest standards of ethics, professionalism, and accountability" and that the letter would document conduct the board found concerning. The board noted Miles would abstain from deliberation and voting because the action directly pertained to her.

Miles told colleagues she had not used her position for private benefit and had not disclosed confidential information. "I've never used my position for personal or private benefit," she said during the meeting, adding that, as a parent and elected official, she believed she was acting within her First Amendment rights and state law when she raised concerns about her child's suspension and broader disciplinary disparities.

Public commenters who spoke before the vote urged the board not to issue the criticism and asked the district to pursue restorative approaches rather than suspensions. Several public speakers questioned the transparency of the resolution itself, saying the publicly circulated motion did not identify the specific conduct being criticized. "If the board believes a policy was violated, the resolution should clearly state what action occurred and what policy standard applies," said public commenter Ellie Pepper during the public comment period.

Board members described the decision as difficult. Several said they relied on legal counsel in reaching their votes. Board Member Alexandria said she supported the letter after considering the information provided and recommended a separate review of suspension data. Board Member Kathy said she could not independently verify facts beyond material circulated to the board and voted yes. Board Member Amanda said her vote was based on items outlined in the private letter and not on Miles's advocacy for students.

The clerk recorded the votes and the motion carried. The board said the letter would be entered into the districts official record; board staff also said the recipient may choose to share the letter publicly.

Community reaction immediately following the vote included requests that the board release the specifics of the charges. A public commenter asked, "Why are you publicly criticizing and not telling the public why youre publicly criticizing?" The board did not disclose the letter details at the meeting, citing the prior executive-session discussion.

What happened next: the board completed other scheduled business and adjourned. The letter of criticism and its supporting materials were not read into the public record during the meeting.

Why it matters: The vote comes amid broader public debate in Schenectady about school discipline, racial and disability disparities, and how and whether board members may speak publicly as parents and elected officials. Public commenters at the meeting urged an independent review of disciplinary practices and more transparent disclosure of suspension data disaggregated by race and disability.

For the record: The public comment period that preceded the vote included multiple speakers who asked the board to decline the letter and to pursue restorative disciplinary practices and an independent audit. Miles abstained from the vote on the resolution; the board carried the motion in roll-call voting.