Board member faces scrutiny over controversial Facebook post

During a recent school board meeting, discussions centered on governance policies and a controversial Facebook post made by board member Director Bassett. The meeting revealed a lack of updates from various committees, including the policy committee, which has not convened during the summer.

Director Holmes initiated a discussion regarding the board member code of conduct, specifically addressing a Facebook post from June 22, 2024, that Bassett shared on her public school board campaign page. Holmes emphasized that the discussion was not about differing opinions but rather about adherence to established governance policies. He referenced the board's code of conduct, which outlines commitments that all members are expected to follow, including the recognition that individual board members do not hold legal authority and must abide by majority decisions.

Holmes expressed concern that Bassett's post undermined the board's work and called for her to apologize, highlighting the importance of self-regulation among board members to maintain unity and a positive public image. He noted that the incident has been referred to an investigator for further examination, and Chair Bowman had previously advised against discussing the matter publicly until the investigation concluded.

The meeting underscored the board's commitment to uphold its governance policies and the necessity for members to conduct themselves in a manner that reflects the board's values, particularly in public forums. The outcome of the investigation and any potential actions regarding Bassett's post remain pending.