Yellow Springs board votes to hire independent investigator after teachers' union files complaint

The Yellow Springs Exempted Village School Board on March 12 voted 3–2 to contract an independent investigator after the teachers' union (YSEA) filed a formal complaint alleging policy violations, including claims of a hostile work environment and retaliation.

Board President (speaking as the board president) framed the decision as necessary to protect due process: "We need to have the right information," she said as the board moved into debate over costs, privacy and timing. The recommendation came after legal counsel proposed hiring a neutral investigator; a candidate and a cost estimate were circulated to the board before the discussion.

Supporters of the hire said a neutral review would protect staff and board members. "I so move that we contract an independent investigator for this situation," said a board member who made the motion. The board debated whether to open conversation or first move to a formal vote; after robust discussion the motion carried 3–2.

Union representatives and community members addressed the board before the vote. Eli Verwits, the former president of the YSEA, urged the board to act: "Amy did wrong," he said in public comment, framing censure as a public acknowledgement that policy had been violated. Verwits, and other union speakers, said the union's goal is to ensure policies are followed and staff feel safe.

Opponents warned about cost and the loss of local control. One board member urged caution, saying the board should try to resolve the dispute quickly and internally if possible. Others urged that, because the allegation now includes a Title IX component, an outside investigator would be the appropriate path to ensure impartiality and adequate protections for all involved.

The board also voted to table agenda item 3.2 — the censure discussion tied to the complaint — until after information from the outside investigation is available. The motion to table was approved by a separate vote.

The board said it will discuss the investigator candidate and related personnel issues in executive session. No further public action was taken at the March 12 meeting; the board indicated it would return to the public record after executive-session deliberations.

What happens next: the district will finalize terms with the contracted investigator and outline the investigator's scope of work and confidentiality requirements. The board indicated the investigator's report will determine whether the censure item is reconsidered publicly.