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Medford School Board finds misconduct and votes to publicly censure Director Michael Williams
Summary
After reviewing complaints stemming from an October 15, 2024 meeting, the Medford School District board adopted findings of fact and voted 6-0 (with Director Williams absent) to publicly censure Board Director Michael Williams for conduct the board said violated multiple policies.
The Medford School District Board of Education voted to publicly censure Board Director Michael Williams on Jan. 23 after adopting findings that his conduct at an October 15, 2024 meeting with Superintendent Bret Champion occurred and violated board policies.
Vice Chair Kendell Ferguson led the agenda item. Director Williams distributed and read a statement prepared by his attorney and then left the meeting before the Board's deliberation. The board's motion, adopted by a 6-0 roll call vote with Williams absent, recited findings that included a quote attributed to Williams at the October meeting: "Let me be clear. I'm for the kids and their safety. If you don't react to the things I tell you, then you are complicit and I will take care of business." The findings also alleged that Williams stood "nose-to-nose" with the superintendent, refused to step back, and engaged in disruptive conduct in district offices.
Chair Cynthia Wright moved the censure motion, saying the conduct did not meet the standards of professionalism and competence expected of a board member and had "caused harm, impeded the work of the Board, and interfered with the work of District administrators and staff." The motion named specific policies cited for violations: BBF (Board Member Standards of Conduct), BBAA (Individual Board Member's Authority and Responsibilities) and KGB (Public Conduct on District Property). The motion passed on a roll call: Atkinson Yea, Messer Yea, Caballero Yea, Ferguson Yea, Kinsella Yea, Wright Yea; Williams absent.
The board's action was limited to a public censure and did not impose additional penalties in the minutes. The meeting record notes the board followed a preponderance-of-evidence standard when adopting findings; it does not record any further disciplinary measures or appeals in the hearing's minutes.
