St. Helens board substantiates complaint over remarks by Director Rochelle Russell, delegates chair to correct record

The St. Helens School District Board of Directors substantiated a complaint on Nov. 12 against Director Rochelle Russell for remarks she made at a Sept. 24 public meeting about alleged "missing" district funds, and delegated the board chair to communicate the board's decision.

Board Chair Jerry York opened a public hearing limited to whether Russell's Sept. 24 remarks violated board policy. Two complainants submitted written statements that were read into the record by Elliott Field, the district's attorney. Lisa Tyler, identified in the record as a former director of teaching and learning, and Brooke Villante (statement submitted in writing) said independent audits and documentation show no funds were missing and that no district-paid first-class travel took place. As Field read the written account, he said: "No first-class tickets were ever purchased with district funds. The Lincoln City retreat was privately paid for."

Russell defended her actions in an extended response, saying she had repeatedly requested financial records in writing earlier in the year and that she raised concerns after educators approached her. "I followed policy," she said during her remarks, arguing she was acting on behalf of constituents and staff who asked for oversight. Russell also criticized the process used to bring the hearing, saying she received evidence late and that the packet contained screenshots and partial records rather than full receipts and grant documentation.

After board members asked clarifying questions about the scope and timing of Russell's requests, Vice Chair Smith Reid moved to "substantiate the complaints based on a violation of board policy" and to delegate authority to the chair to draft and deliver a response reflecting the board's discussion. The motion passed; Russell declined to participate in the final vote, which was recorded as an abstention.

The board also identified a remedial change it intends to communicate: striking or correcting the specific phrasing that suggested district funds were "missing," and directing the chair to issue the corrected language publicly. Legal counsel confirmed the board's authority is limited in imposing discipline on a sitting board member and characterized the action as a formal finding tied to board policy.

The hearing and vote drew repeated references to process: complainants asked the board to correct the public record and reaffirm evidence-based public statements, while Russell urged clearer procedures for how board members request and receive financial oversight documents. The board moved related action items later in the meeting to complete its deliberations and to delegate follow-up communications to the chair.