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Trustee alleges harassment and retaliation after raising budget concerns; colleagues urge unity
Summary
Trustee Stephanie told the board she was targeted and retaliated against after raising budget concerns, citing an audit that she said vindicated her warnings; other trustees disputed her account and urged the board to focus on student-centered priorities and fiscal planning.
During board comments following a governance workshop, Trustee Stephanie said she had been targeted, harassed and censured after alerting colleagues to alleged budget problems and described herself as a whistleblower.
"I was threatened to be kicked out of the board meeting… I had whistleblow on concerns about our budget and I was continually attacked," Stephanie said, citing an audit she said showed projected savings of about $10.64 million over three years and arguing that earlier warnings about fiscal risk were correct.
Several trustees responded to Stephanie’s remarks during the public portion of the meeting. Some called her characterization inaccurate or "detached from reality," while others said the board should present a unified front and concentrate on student priorities and budget discipline. One trustee urged colleagues to pull resolutions that do not align with agreed priorities to avoid undermining the superintendent’s ability to implement necessary changes.
The allegation was aired publicly in the boardroom; no formal disciplinary or personnel action was taken or reported during the meeting. Trustees agreed the board needs clearer protocols, more transparency and timely study sessions that will let staff present documentation and budget scenarios to support or refute claims made at the dais.
Board members encouraged staff to provide supporting documentation and audit reports to the full board in follow-up sessions so the public record can clearly show the facts.
