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Public commenter accuses board member of "viewpoint discrimination" on social media; calls for accountability
Summary
At the Buckeye Local board meeting, resident John Demers accused a board member of defaming staff and engaging in viewpoint discrimination on social media, referenced the board's March resolution on member communications, and urged the member to change behavior to avoid litigation.
A community member told the Buckeye Local Board of Education on May 12 that a fellow board member's social-media activity has defamed staff and could lead to legal action.
John Demers, who identified himself during the public comment period, said he had observed "keyboard warriors" and special-interest postings that he called "decisive in nature and seemingly not grounded in fact," and that those posts had targeted district employees. He said the board previously adopted Resolution 2026-03-10 "clarifying authority of individual board members" and establishing guidelines for public communication and argued the conduct continued despite that resolution.
"Mrs. Sillick, you alone through your actions and words can prevent the forthcoming litigation," Demers said during his remarks, urging the named board member to "rise to the occasion" and to act in the community's best interest.
Board leadership briefly raised a point of order about the rules for public comment addressing board members; no formal disciplinary or investigatory action was taken during the meeting. Later in the meeting, administration and trustees moved to routine agenda items and votes.
A separate public commenter, Calvin Ebers, offered praise for the district and urged continuing community support for schools and levies.
