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Public commenters raise payroll errors and messages to students at South Lane schools
Summary
During public comment, a first-year teacher said payroll errors left her owing roughly $1,300 in taxes and a parent alleged repeated text messages from a mental-health staffer to her 14‑year‑old; both asked the board for follow-up and documentation.
Several public commenters used the board’s public-comment period to raise personnel and student-safety concerns the board said it would follow up on.
Emily McDonald, a first-year teacher, said payroll errors incorrectly posted her withholding status and other contact information. McDonald told the board she filled out four W‑4 forms but that payroll had recorded her as "married with 8 dependents," which she said resulted in improper tax withholdings and nearly $1,300 owed plus accruing interest. She said she had been unable to get a timely response until earlier that day and asked the board for help; she told the board she has a tax‑extension deadline of Oct. 15 to resolve the issue.
"I am waiting for the district to help rectify a repeated mistake that the district made that resulted in financial hardship for me as a first year teacher," McDonald said.
Parent Christina Hussey addressed the board about special‑needs services and alleged a member of South Lane Mental Health repeatedly texted her then‑14‑year‑old daughter while the child was being seen at school, asking about health insurance and scheduling. Hussey said the student was pulled out of math class for sessions, fell behind academically, and that she has sent the board messages and documentation about the texts. Hussey said the school later informed her that the counselor "John" was no longer at the school; she said she will provide the board with evidence via email.
"My daughter was actually being pulled out of class for several weeks, possibly months," Hussey said, and she asked the board to investigate.
Board Chair and staff acknowledged the comments and said staff would follow up with complainants. The board did not take immediate disciplinary action on either matter during the meeting; members and staff asked for the written documentation that speakers said they would provide.
Other public commenters urged the board to focus on curriculum and student literacy rather than politics. Board members said they will review submissions and that some items may require investigation or legal consultation before public disclosure.
