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Parents press board for independent investigation, demand accountability over alleged Hollymeade misconduct
Summary
Several public commenters demanded an independent, outside investigation into alleged abuse at Hollymeade, questioned administrative resignations and severance payments, and asked the board to ensure parent notification and accountability; the board acknowledged limits on disclosure due to criminal prosecutions and said it will cooperate with authorities.
Multiple parents and community members used public comment to urge the board to pursue independent investigations and greater transparency in the wake of allegations tied to Hollymeade. Phil Reese, whose children attend Hollymeade, called the alleged abuse “disgusting” and demanded the board revoke the resignation of former superintendent Matt Haas and fire him for cause if he concealed an active criminal investigation. Reese also asked whether other staff resignations would be denied and whether severance payments would be withheld if individuals were found to have engaged in gross misconduct.
Jimmy Ballou and other commenters raised concerns about a draft professional‑boundaries policy they said relied too heavily on internal reporting, lacks independent investigative requirements, and did not require immediate notification of parents in cases involving their children. Ballou said the community needs independent oversight and more transparent reporting channels.
The board responded that there are limits on what it can share publicly because of personnel privacy laws and pending criminal prosecutions, and pledged to cooperate fully with law enforcement. Chair and staff said the board is committed to transparency where appropriate, to strengthening policies and procedures, and to bringing recommended edits to the draft policy during an upcoming public hearing.
What the board said: officials reiterated that criminal matters are being handled by investigators and that the board will avoid actions that interfere with prosecutions; they also noted plans for strengthened reporting, parental notification and whistleblower protections in the new draft policy.
