Parent urges no-confidence action, alleges harassment by board member

A parent addressing the Freeburg CCSD 70 board during public participation said she unenrolled her child in July 2023 because she feared retaliation and physical danger, and she urged the board to consider a vote of no confidence in board member Mr Stein.

The speaker, who did not give a full name on the record, said Mr Stein "has embarked on a constant campaign of harassment against me, my family" and described what she said was an "investigation" of her that included a FOIA request for communications between her and family members on the board. She said she obtained a police report via FOIA that, she quoted, described "Stein's demeanor as hostile with him concealing his arms behind his back while continuously scanning the room." She asked whether the board would pursue a vote of zero confidence after what she called "this inappropriate and concerning outburst."

The parent told the board, "my child cannot receive the free and appropriate public education she is entitled to because I fear she would not only be retaliated against but I also fear for her physical safety due to Mr Stein's aggressive behavior." The remarks were part of the public-comment period; the transcript does not show a board response or any motion to initiate a no-confidence vote during this meeting.

Why it matters: allegations of harassment by an elected board member raise concerns about student safety, board ethics and whether the board should take formal disciplinary steps. The speaker said she had pursued records through FOIA and cited a police report as part of the basis for her request; the board did not record a formal action on the allegation at this session.

The meeting continued with staff reports and routine votes. No rebuttal or formal response from Mr Stein appears in the recorded meeting segments.