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School board adopts censure of trustee Jesse Gomez, removes him from policy committee
Summary
The School City of East Chicago board voted Oct. 28 to publicly censure Trustee Jesse Gomez for alleged policy violations tied to an unauthorized school entry, public comments about a canceled field trip, and direct staff communications; the resolution passed by roll call and removes Gomez from the board policy committee and requires governance training.
The School City of East Chicago Board of Trustees voted on Oct. 28 to adopt a formal censure resolution against board member Jesse Gomez for conduct the board said violated district policies and governance norms.
Trustee Taylor read the resolution into the public record, laying out the board’s findings that Gomez (1) entered East Chicago Central High School on or about Oct. 2 without prior authorization in violation of Policy 9150 (school visitors); (2) made public comments on or about Oct. 11 criticizing the district and superintendent about a canceled service field trip without clarifying that his remarks did not represent the board (referenced Policy 0143.1 on public expression); and (3) contacted district employees directly about the field trip without coordination through the superintendent or designee (cited Policy 4112 on board‑staff communication).
Attorney Harris told the board that Gomez had been afforded opportunities to respond during an executive session on Oct. 27 and in writing; Gomez was not present at the Oct. 28 meeting. Trustee Taylor moved adoption of the resolution and Trustee Smith seconded. Roll call votes were recorded as 'Yes' by Trustees Smith, Rodriguez, Taylor and Board President Gibson King; the motion carried.
The resolution directs that Gomez immediately cease the cited conduct, places him on notice that repeated violations could prompt additional action, removes him from the board policy committee effective upon adoption, and requires him to attend governance and ethics training on Oct. 30, 2025 with proof of completion to be submitted to the board president and entered in the minutes.
Trustee Taylor framed the vote as a matter of board accountability. "They remind us that accountability begins with us as a board," she said. Attorney Harris had earlier said the board could not act at the prior meeting until Gomez had been given an opportunity to hear the allegations and respond.
The resolution text and supporting documents will be entered into the official minutes, and the board said it wished to move forward "in a constructive and cooperative manner to focus on the educational mission" of the district.
Next steps: The board removed Gomez from the policy committee immediately and directed the district to record proof of the required governance training in the minutes.
