William Penn School District elects Monique Boykins president amid tensions over outreach

The William Penn School District Board of School Directors elected Monique Boykins president for a one-year term and named Wyvia Ivory vice president during its December annual reorganization meeting.

The nomination of Boykins prompted a public exchange among board members about outreach and leadership. Miss Veil said she felt she had not been consulted and announced she would abstain from the vote, saying, "We're gonna take a $13,000,000 loan to cover up mistakes," and that the board had not been sufficiently visible to the community. A nominee responded, defending her record: "I have made myself present, as a board of director in many ways," and saying she had worked across several committees to reduce lawsuits and serve constituents.

Board members moved to close nominations and approved a motion "to support Monique Boykins as president of the William Penn School District Board of School Directors for a period of 1 year commencing immediately." The motion to appoint Wyvia Ivory as vice president was also approved; the transcript records at least one abstention for the vice-presidential confirmation but does not give a full named tally.

During the meeting the board also addressed committee assignments. The president urged members to take leadership roles on committees and to respond to administrative communications to improve visibility and responsiveness to district residents.

The board tabled the proposed 2025 meeting calendar after a member identified errors and later pulled the calendar back for review. No final approval of the 2025 calendar was recorded in the transcript.

The board adjourned after finishing reorganization business and other announcements.