White House library board says staff grievance filed against director; city process underway

The White House Library Board discussed personnel matters Monday night after the board chair informed trustees that a staff member had filed grievances with the city against Library Director Elizabeth following disciplinary action. The chair said the city manager had reviewed the matter and “dismissed the grievances and sustained Elizabeth’s discipline actions,” and that further hearings and mediation were scheduled.

Board members pressed for clarity on when the board should be notified about personnel issues affecting the library’s leadership. “Is there opportunities, I guess, moving forward in the future to be more transparent with us when things like this are taking place like through executive sessions,” one trustee asked during the meeting. City official Jerry responded that routine personnel matters are handled under the City of White House personnel manual and by the city administrator, while the library board retains authority to appoint or remove the librarian.

Jerry told the board that, in his view, the current matter appeared to be an isolated, low-level disciplinary issue involving one employee and that the city would involve the board if multiple grievances or other indicators suggested a broader problem. “If I felt that there was that the grievance had some merit to it, yeah, it definitely would be getting the Board involved,” he said.

Board members repeatedly expressed support for Elizabeth as the process continues. The chair said Elizabeth has followed instructions from the city manager and “has his support,” adding that she also has the board’s support. Trustees discussed options for staying informed without breaching confidentiality, including asking the city administrator for periodic updates if concerns arise about performance.

No formal board action (such as a vote or disciplinary finding by the board) was taken at the meeting. The chair noted that personnel records and disciplinary documents are available through the public records process if members of the public request them.

The board adjourned after completing other agenda items; city officials said additional administrative steps and possible mediation were scheduled to continue in the coming days.