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Kennedale ISD board unanimously denies grievance after public allegations over trustee social-media activity
Summary
After a closed-session review, the Kennedale Independent School District board voted unanimously to deny a grievance against a trustee. A public commenter had accused a trustee of problematic social-media conduct and ties to a rebranded page; the board said the conduct occurred in a private capacity and outside its authority.
The Kennedale Independent School District board voted unanimously to deny a grievance against a trustee after deliberating in closed session.
During the public-comment portion of the March meeting, Miss Kim Swinson addressed the board with a sustained critique of a trustee’s conduct and associated social-media activity. "Let's just set the record straight because the truth doesn't tremble and it certainly doesn't hide," Swinson said, accusing unnamed parties of circulating false statements and tying a rebranded page (which she said rebranded on March 21, 2026) to controversial online posts. She added, "I am not running for the school board. I am not on the council. I am a volunteer," and urged the board to hold people accountable for conduct that she described as harassment and leadership failures.
After moving into closed session under the Texas Open Meetings Act (citing sections 551.071 and 551.074), the board returned at 8:09 p.m. and acted on the matter. "I will make a motion to deny the complaint," Dr. Maria Douglas said; Miss Natalie McKay seconded the motion. The board president called for a vote and the motion passed unanimously.
In explaining the outcome, the board said its review, informed by legal counsel, found that "the conduct identified was not committed under district authority but in the trustee's capacity as a private citizen." The board noted it does not have the authority to control the private actions of trustees acting outside their official duties, including actions taken as private citizens or candidates, and encouraged continued community engagement.
The board recorded entry to closed session at 6:49 p.m., returned at 8:09 p.m., and adjourned the meeting at 8:11 p.m. The district did not announce any additional sanctions or follow-up actions related to the grievance during open session.
