The Redford Union Schools District No. 1 Board of Education voted to engage the Miller Johnson law firm to conduct an independent investigation into complaints against the district superintendent, placed the superintendent on paid, nondisciplinary administrative leave effective immediately, and appointed Judy Nachman, the district’s executive director of human resources and labor relations, as interim superintendent until further notice.

The motions were introduced in successive agenda items and approved by roll call. Chair introduced the investigation motion as "Can I get a motion that the Board of Education agrees to engage Miller Johnson law firm to conduct an independent investigation regarding complaints against the superintendent?" The motion was moved by Mister Bailey and seconded by Missus Martin; the board conducted a roll call and the motion carried. A subsequent motion to place the superintendent on paid nondisciplinary administrative leave effective immediately was moved and carried by roll call. The board then moved to appoint Judy Nachman as interim superintendent; the board discussed that the recommendation reflected Nachman’s tenure in the district and continuity for upcoming months, and the appointment passed by roll call.

Board members did not state the superintendent’s name on the public record during the meeting. When asked by a member of the public whether details of the investigation would be released, the chair said the findings are "not likely to be public because it's attorney client privilege." The board also said the length and scope of the outside investigation are unknown at this time.

During the public comment period, board member Mister Bailey reminded the community that the Michigan Department of Education was accepting public input on proposed health education recommendations, noting the public comment window was open until Friday and providing the MDE contact information on the record.

The board scheduled a workshop for Tuesday, Nov. 18 at 5:30 PM and a regular meeting for Monday, Dec. 1 at 5:30 PM in the District Meeting Room. The meeting adjourned at 6:23 PM.

What happens next: the district has retained outside counsel to investigate. The board said it will not commit to releasing the investigation’s findings publicly because of apparent attorney-client confidentiality; no timetable was provided for the investigation or any further public updates.