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McGuffey board accepts resignation, outlines appointment process as public debate on meeting prayer intensifies
Summary
The board accepted a member s resignation, set a process to solicit applicants by March 15 and hold public interviews March 20; the public s comments included calls for the continuation of public prayer at meetings and warnings about alleged Sunshine Law violations by district leadership.
The McGuffey School District board accepted the resignation of board member Michelle Livehart, who stepped down for health reasons. The board discussed next steps for filling the vacancy and agreed to solicit written letters of interest from residents of Moores Township and South Franklin Township with a March 15 deadline, and to hold public interviews at the March 20 committee meeting. Board members emphasized transparency in the process and noted the board has 30 days to appoint a replacement before the statutory process allows a court petition to name a fill-in.
Public comment at the meeting included praise for Livehart s service and broad community engagement with the district s Future Ready planning and CTE efforts. Several speakers urged the board to continue offering a public prayer at the start of meetings; others raised concerns about agenda changes and public-notice practices.
During a lengthy public comment period, Vicki Jordan urged the board to address alleged repeated violations of district policy and the Sunshine Law related to agenda changes and removal of public prayer; she said she is consulting legal counsel and "will seek out legal advice" if alleged violations continue. Robin Crow and multiple other community members said they support public prayer and asked the board to restore it. Board members discussed the controversy and voted to add a specific item about public prayer to the March meeting agenda for full public discussion and a formal vote, citing transparency and a desire to let the full board and public weigh in.
On governance details, the board president recommended soliciting letters to the superintendent and board secretary; members agreed to post the vacancy on the district website and social media. The board also discussed appointment mechanics: an appointee requires five affirmative votes to be seated for the remainder of the term, and the appointee would serve until the seat is filled by election as required by the schedule and school code.
