Medford School Board votes to dissolve 2024 censure resolution

The Medford School District Board of Education voted 5–2 on Sept. 5 to dissolve Resolution 2024-3, a prior censure that imposed time, place and manner restrictions on communications, school access, and staff interactions for a board director. The motion to dissolve the resolution was made by Angela Zbikowski and seconded by Michael Williams; the roll-call vote was recorded as Caballero: No, Spicer: Yes, Williams: Yes, LaNier McHenry: Yes, Johnson: Yes, Zbikowski: Yes, Ferguson: No.

Chair Kendell Ferguson opened the discussion by referencing the resolution and reporting that principals and district employees had asked for clarity and flexibility when board members visit schools—specifically the ability to bring an assistant principal or other staff to one-on-one meetings, a request that conversations not be recorded without prior consent, and the continued use of 24-hour notice with stated purpose and estimated duration as described in the Board Operating Agreement. Board members split over whether the resolution’s restrictions remained necessary, with some arguing for a "clean slate" and reliance on the BOA and others urging continued caution given the seriousness of the original findings.

After the vote, the board reviewed a newly distributed draft policy titled 'Board Member Concerns About Board Member Behaviors,' which outlines a four-step progressive process for addressing alleged violations. Directors suggested clarifying the chair’s role if the chair declines to advance a complaint, specifying which privileges could be revoked under a censure, and obtaining a legal opinion to ensure the policy aligns with Oregon law and protects due process rights.