001special meeting of the Shabbo area school board of education March June 2nd 2046. We appreciate everyone who has taken the time to come be here tonight and participate in the work of our district. Your present reflects the community commitment to our students, our schools, and the decisions that guide our future. We ask that all who are joining us help maintain a respectful and orderly environment so that we can the people's business effectively and in accordance with the Michigan opening act. I call the meeting to order at 6:30 p.m. >> Julie Lohila >> here. Tim Tarot >> here. >> Deborah Buuner >> here. >> Matt Marda >> here. >> Luke Kuski >> here. >> Travis Neville. >> Richard Pean >> here. Heather here. Please stand for the pledge of allegiance. I aliance to the flag of
002the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands. One nation under God, indivisible with liberty and justice for all. Okay, the first thing on our agenda is approval of board members attending a conference is called capt capturing his heart is a relation driven approach designed to make schools environments where students feel valued, safe and motivated. I need a motion to approve Deborah Juner to attend the capturing kids cards on March 17th through 18th in Detroit. >> Make a motion conference. >> Motion by second by Luke. >> Richard Pean. >> Yes. >> Tim Cara. >> Yes. >> Deborah Muner. >> Oh, I'm sorry. back to the same. Thank you, >> Matt March. >> Yes. >> And Julie Loa. >> Yes. >> Next thing on our agenda is public comment. Before we begin
003public comment this evening, I want to take a moment to clarify the framework that governs both the authority of the board and the processes to be followed. Under Michigan law, the local board of education do not have the power to remove an elected or appointed trustee from office. State statutes provide only two lawful avenues of removal. A voter initiated recall process which requires petition approval and the gathering of signatures but does not apply to an appointed trustee. A a removal process conducted by the governor which may occur only after a formal complaint investigation and a due process hearing. Because of these statutory limits, the board cannot remove one of its own members even in situations involving disagreement, misconduct or violation of board policy or the code of ethics. Our responsibility is to document concerns, take
004corrective action where permitted, and maintain transparency with community. As we move to public comment, each speaker will have up to five minutes. This time limit ensures fairness and allows everyone who wishes to speak an opportunity to be heard. We ask that the comments be directed to the board remain respectful and focus on matters with within the board's responsibilities. Under the Michigan Open Meetings Act, the public has the right to attend and observe our meetings. The act also requires that the board maintain order so the meeting can proceed. Disorderly contact such as shouting, interrupting speakers, refusing to yield the floor, or otherwise preventing the board from conducting its business may result in a call to order, a warning, or removal from the meeting. These steps are taken solely to preserve the public's ability to follow the
005meeting, and are never based on the viewpoint being expressed. The board will not respond to comments at this time, but please know that we take your input seriously and concerns will be reviewed. Someone will follow up with you if a response or additional information is needed. Our meeting minutes and video of the meeting will be our followup on public comment if action is taken during this meeting. I also want to emphasize that community input is valued. Public comment is a vital part of democratic governance. While the board does not respond during this portion of the meeting, we listen carefully and your perspectives help inform our work and strengthen the partnership between the district and the community we serve. Thank you for your engagement and your commitment to our schools. With those guidelines in mind, you
006may come forward one at a time when you are ready. may approach to a podium and state your name and address. >> My name is Eric Hall 6869 Chipa Trail. Um I have stood before this board several times and usually begin by acknowledging that you have a difficult decision to make [cough] today. However, I believe that you have a very easy one. Together with the staff of this district, you created a strategic plan built upon four guiding beliefs. We believe in a safe, inclusive, and collaborative environment that maximizes growth. We believe character development is an integral part of the lifelong success. We believe in fostering self-ride in all achievements. We believe in making all students life ready through quality education. If these beliefs truly guide this board, then the decision before you become straightforward. As
007a board member, you must ask yourselves, is this individual contributing to the character development of all students? Is this individual fostering self-ride and achievements? Is this individual helping create a safe, inclusive, and collaborative environment that maximizes growth? If the answer to any of these questions is no, then the choices are clear. Let's consider the first belief, inclusive. Does inclusive include minority students? Does it include gay students, transgend trans transgender students? If it does, then statements such as quote, "Racist jokes are the funniest jokes end quote or sharing derogatory and demeaning content about others stand in direct conflict to the values this court claims so hold." And this concern is not exaggerated. under investigation by this very board. This board member publicly liked a post that stated, quote, "Even if you do something just remember that
008nobody can out stupid a black woman." Regardless of intent, lang language like this is incompatible with the responsibility of representing all students and families in this district. It's also important to recognize this is not unprecedented. Just last week at W dot public schools, a single racist Facebook post one led to the resignation of a school board member who shared a meeting widely condemned by the community. During a meeting much like this one, Superintendent James Anderson addressed his board. He acknowledged that he reports to them that he also made it clear that if any of the district's 700 employees had done what that board member had done, including himself, he would expect that person to resign or termination proceedings to begin. He said plainly, quote, "It's not acceptable. It's not part of our school system, and
009I hope the right thing happens here." End quote. That is leadership. That is consistency. Standards cannot apply to teachers and staff, but stop at the board table. And yet here, we have heard no such clarity from the superintendent, no public condemnation, no reassurance to students or staff, only silence. And silence speaks volumes. The board member himself has said, quote, "All words have meaning. That's why not self-centered, it's censored." End quote. If all words have meaning, then we must also acknowledge that meaning is carried by the words and content he chooses to elevate. Words shape culture. Words signal value. Words either build dignity or erode it. I understand that that some may raise concerns about the right to free speech. This was given reference publicly when it was described by Mr. Bird as a quote slippery
010slope unquote, but it's important to remember this quote from the board member in question. quote, "The First Amendment protects you from the government, not from your employer, employer or from me. Accountability is not censorship. Responsibility is not oppression." On the subject of rights and free speech, this same board member once stated, quote, "Complaining about your rights, that's childish. Stop it." End quote. I'd like to close with one quote from a podcast I recently listened to. I want to know if you're doing it right. You probably are. If you're asking the question, "Am I doing it right?" then you care what the right thing is. By voting yes to a resolution, you ask yourself honestly, do you believe you are doing what is right? For context, that quote came from the ideal man, the podcaster in
011question, was this very important. Thank you. [applause] [applause] Good evening everyone. My name is Heather Langman and I 126 San. As I stand here before everybody today, it is no surprise that I resemble one of the remarks that was given. And today I wanted to remind everybody that although freedom of speech is right, it is also a responsibility. And sharing the public eye. It is important to remember that we are no longer I. We are we and we have to speak as one. So, as a member of the writing community since 2007 and as a member of the board of education in the state of South Carolina, I was under the impression that as one, we work together to make sure that our children and our grandchildren all receive an education that is free from
012certain comments and certain idealisms that should not be appropriated. within the community. So under that understanding, I would like to know when we are going to have the next elections and I would like to propose myself to be considered to be part of the next board. Thank you. [applause] Hi, my name is Jody Gup. I am a longtime resident of Shuen. My address is 11517 Road. I am a longtime resident of the Shboen community. I'm the mother of three boys who graduated from Shabboan schools in the years 2011, 14, and 25. I come to the board with some thoughts I would like to share before you make a very important decision tonight. My husband and I are both very involved in our community individually and also as a couple. Teaching the principle of service to
013others and to our children is paramount to both of us. I would like to share a brief anecdote that will become more relevant and pertinent as I continue speaking. There was a time not long ago when I was feeling overwhelmed and tired and I asked my husband, "Why do we keep doing this?" His response was simple and profound. He said, "Because someone did it for me." I hesitated to speak tonight for many reasons. I'm embarrassed to admit one of those reasons was to avoid backlash and possible trickle effect of speaking up. I have a small fear of being bullied. The fact that I can choose to sit on the sidelines in and of itself self shows my privilege and that realization of that privilege compelled me to speak tonight. I'm not here before you to
014bash the school board. Nor am I speaking tonight to criticize our schools, nor am I here to sling insults at the school board member in question. I'm not here to question anyone's personal belief systems, nor am I here to promote any kind of political agenda. I'm not speaking up because I'm drawn to the outrage and uproar, although the uproar certainly did get my attention. I'm here because my community matters deeply to me. And the way we interact with one another matters and publicly insulting others is not becoming to someone representing our schools and our students. It is my understanding based on information I have gathered that Mr. Neville is openly teaching his beliefs, opinions, values, and thoughts to impressionable young people. It is also my in understanding that Mr. Neville is using his status as
015a school board member to influence the thoughts, beliefs, and behaviors of impressionable people. I'm speaking up because some principles really matter to me. And two principles that matter most to me are integrity and legacy. It is my belief that leaving a positive imprint on the community where we live and serve others is essential to our success as a community. Mr. Neville's approach is not conducive to creating an environment to draw families to return to our community or to stay here. To me, this is not about any kind of personal vendetta or attempt to boost a political stance or agenda. This is about the integrity of the community and future of our school and citizens. I come to you as an educated woman and successful business owner. As a mom of three boys who I can
016confidently say have been raised to be good men, in reference to a statement made by Mr. the devil regarding marriageable and highquality men and women. I come to you as a quote high value woman who also happens to be married to a quote high value man. I would even go so far as to say that together we make a quote high value couple. However, whether or not I am educated, of value, tattooed, tanned, fat, thin, left or right leaning is absolutely irrelevant. What is very relevant, however, is what I expect from my school's work. And that is a board of people who stand up for what is right. There is a quote from Delerice that I will paraphrase that says, "From where I come from, I have no business being where I'm at." I come
017to the board and speak up because at a time in my life when I was a single mom, an unwed mom, a divorced mom, a stepmom, an unmarriageable woman, a nearly homeless mom, an addict, a jobless mother, a food stamp recipient, a recipient of public assistance. >> Thank you. Please keep in mind the legacy of our schools. Thank you. [applause] Good evening everybody. [clears throat] My name is Dr. Amanda Tanner. I'm a retired teacher from Shboan Area Schools. I'm a university professor and I'm a proud nana of three. I care deeply about our students, our families, and our staff. One of my grandchildren attend the Shagoya intermediate school. I appreciate the board's service and I know the complexity of governance. I would just like to remind everybody that board policy 2302 requires trustees to place
018student welfare first and avoid conflicts of interest. Policy 2303 outlines investigation procedures and when concerns arise about trustee conduct, the best practice is to respond with transparency, fairness, and student centered decision making. I respectfully ask the board to take the following actions. First, continue the independent investigation and publicly share the timeline and the process. Second, if violations are confirmed, formally refer the matter to the governor under MCL 3801107 for removal from office. Third, communicate regularly with families and provide annual ethics and social media training for trustees. Our community needs, our community deserves leadership that protects our students and reflects our values. These steps support trust, safety, and strong schools. Thank you. [applause] >> Good evening. My name is Diane Myers and I live on Herburg Road. I'm a parent and I am a concerned citizen.
019I'm here today because the primary funding in this board is not merely to run the schools, but to ensure that they are wellrun. Under board policy 2302, the board code of ethics, each of you has a duty to represent the entire community and to maintain a focus on the well-being of all students. Students have a fundamental right to a safe, inclusive, and equitable learning environment free from discrimination, harassment, and bullying. When a member of this board uses their platform to share or validate racist jokes or hate speech, they're not just exercising free speech. They're violating the trust of this community and the spirit of our district's own anti-harassment policies. Freedom of speech is a right, but it does not grant freedom of accountability. As a leader in this district, your speech [snorts] carries a social
020responsibility to communicate respectfully. If your primary focus is generating content for a personal platform at the expense of our children's sense of safety, then you have failed in your duty of care. I am calling on this board to hold its members to the standards outlined in our own bylaws. who must take our school board back from divis rhetoric and return the focus to protecting our children. If you cannot or will not prioritize the well-being of every student, regardless of race, color, national origin, then you should resign. I am also here today because leadership requires more than just an elected seat. It requires a moral authority to protect every student in this district. When a member of this board's platform or validates racist rhetoric, they aren't just expressing an opinion. They are creating a liability. Under
021title six of the civil rights act, this district is required to provide an environment free from discrimination. By posting content that marginalizes the very students you are sworn to serve, you're undermining the district's legal standing and safety of our children. If your platform is more important than your pupils, you have the duty to resign. Our children deserve leaders who believe their safety is more important than social media posts. Thank you. [applause] My name is G. My address is 3580 Road. My husband and I are lifelong residents of Chuan. We are both business owners and we have two small children. I want to begin by thanking the members of the board present tonight for going above and beyond being a regular citizen and answering the call of civic duty. You voluntarily stepped up to represent your
022you voluntarily stepped up to represent your community and should be recognized and commended for that. That being said, I am beyond disappointed that I had to take time out of my pack schedule like all the rest of the people in this room to come and ask you. No, insist that you guys carry out the duties of your position. The board member in question tonight should have never been accorded to the board in the first place, and he certainly should not remain in his position now. After being fired from two districts, one of these times for making hateful remarks against a literal child, I am unsure what makes him qualified or even eligible to serve on this board. From my understanding, complaints were being received a year ago, and we are just now beginning the process
023of addressing. Nothing about this situation is acceptable. Free speech is one thing. It is illegal to make any of the remarks this person has made. It is not, however, his right to hold this position. That is a privilege. a privilege with ethics and standards. No one believes no one that believes a girl's eligibility for marriage begins at 15 years old should be allowed to set foot on school grounds, let alone serve on this board. The hateful rhetoric against women, other ethnicities, and most notably, children should make this an easy decision. Behavior and beliefs such as this should not be tolerated. Your community has shown you that we do not want this here. Voting Anything other than in support of his res resignation is complicity. It is a signal to this community that not only do
024you support his views, you also share them. We will make note of that. Ask yourself if this is how you want to be remembered. Standing up for children or standing with everything they should be protected from. I urge you to do what is in your power to strip this person of their role within the board and as a coach in the school district. Look around you. Shboan does not want this. [applause] Hello, my name is Dave Thompson. My address is 7186 by Shane L. I'm here in support of the resignation of the board member who is currently under investigation. I'm not a politician, I'm a dad. I have two daughters. They both play sports and I'm proud of the young men they are becoming. That's why I'm angry because a board member in question has
025said things like, "I coached girls for a season and it was a disaster. You can't motivate them. They just fall apart. They crumble. They get emotional. It's very it's a very different mindset. Those aren't just words. Those are statements about girls like my daughters." He has also said, "Ladies, for the last time, neither your career, money, nor your education make you more attractive to any man worth a Stay fit, keep your hair long, quit with the tattoos, and don't the feminism." And men were universally given the right to vote because it was men who went to fight wars. women can [clears throat] now vote but do not fight divorce and even there are not many marriageable women anymore about.5% of US women between the ages of 15 and 49 meet all six criterias fertile non-obese
026unmarried not vaccinated for co not on SSRI and not on hormonal birth control those are his words. So, I have a simple question. Is this the kind of person we want helping shape policy for our daughters? Is this the voice we want representing families of the district? Because I can tell you this, my daughters, they are strong. They are coachable. They are resilient. And they are very intelligent. They're more than someone's definition of marriageable. The district can do better than this. If we don't then we are sending a message to every girl in our school about what this community believes that you're worth as a dad. [applause] Good evening. My name is Patrick 65. I'm the mother of three kids who have either graduated from or currently attending High School. I could stand up here
027and reiterate many the sexist, racist comments made by the board member in question, but I sent a letter to the board last week outlining many of them and a lot of the other community members have done a good job lending their voice to this same issue. Also, by now the board has had the weekend to do your research. I hope you spent time on his website, listened to his podcasts, looked at his Instagram, and his Substack and are clear about what a low opinion he has of women, Native Americans, black African-Americans, LGBT community, and honestly, it seems like just anyone who isn't out there chopping wood and lifting weights. Instead, I would like to talk about where we go from here. A mistake was made in appointing this man to our board. Even if you
028hadn't bothered to find any of his social media outlets, which are all under his name, his arrest for drug possession while working as a teacher and his firing from his last coaching position at Grand Blank for talking about a student on his podcast, calling them a mother effort and a lazy full of obviously should have been a huge red flag. But here we are. So what can we do about it? I fear we are about to get a painful lesson in the impetence that constituents have in holding the power to those holding those in power accountable. And if at the end of this process we hear a series of weak, well, we really don't like what he says, but if that happens, then I suggest we go on our website and remove all that verdict
029on the school's mission and vision that claims to support all of our diverse student body. Because if there is nothing we can do about this man's hateful rhetoric, then those words are simply window dressing. I am not a lawyer. I don't know the removal process for a member who is appointed rather than elected. But I have a few suggestions for what I assume is possible within the power of this board. Before I make my suggestions, I want to make a quick point. When our children are young, they see the world as black and white. They don't know yet that sometimes there is gray. There is nuance. Let's be clear though, this is not one of those times. In this case, your actions moving forward show us that you either agree with and condone the board
030members ideas and messages or you don't. It is really that simple. You have to vote. You have to pick a side. If you choose to stand with those of us who believe in equality and showing respect to all of our students, here are some suggestions. Obviously, our first hope is that he could be removed. It sounds like that may not be possible. I would love for him to resign. He's so arroant. I doubt that will also happen. If that is not legally possible, then I suggest the board censure him for his use of language that goes directly against the messages described on our school's mission statement and strategic plan. I suggest you vote to remove him from any committees, tasks, roles, liaison, you know, roles he currently holds, especially his role working with our athletic
031community. Make him nothing more than a seat warmer once a month on a Monday night. Remove him from any volunteer positions he currently holds on behalf of the school community. Specifically, and in my opinion most importantly, is that he not be allowed to interact with our kids, especially in a coaching or mentoring role. If he comes to you and says, "Hey, can I help?" You say, "No thanks. We're good." And to the people in this audience, let's not lose track of this point. Our current AD, Mr. Jason Friday, is retiring his position this year. I don't know who will be the new AD, but let's make sure this man is not allowed to coach, even on a volunteer basis, come this fall. That'll be on. One final note, as a member of the community, I
032accept some responsibility for this mess. I tend to naively assume that we are all good people and it's disappointing to discover that this is not in fact true. I was not paying attention. So consider me educated. Consider me motivated to do a better job paying attention to the people who are in positions of power here locally and to try to seek ways to prevent problems like this from happening again. Thank you for your time. >> [applause] >> Amber Hson School District. I uh I appreciate all the people that are here this evening. This is a dream for the school district that we would have this many people that carried to show up. And I understand that we are here this evening due to admittedly controversial and sometimes insensitive social media posts, social media activity from
033a board trustee that we have. I don't want to get into that. I honestly think that we could sit here for three days and dig through all of that and really not get anywhere. There's a lot to go through. I would however like to say that I do know Travis as a real person, not a name, just a name on a screen. Um, and as a woman, as a single a woman who is a single mom who has tattoos and doesn't have the longest hair, I have never been made to feel less than or disrespected by him. Um, as a parent, I've never questioned as to whether he was making safe decisions on the board. Quite the contrary, I have watched this board in the last two and a half years make more progress than
034we did in a while. And that's bold of me considering that was a while ago. Um, I have an athlete in high school who is ecstatic to show up and play in these facilities that you've given her. Um, an athlete who has recently told me that wants to be an oral surgeon. Um, and I have an early middle college meeting next Monday because this district, this board voted to help me give that to her. Um, and I watched this preschool program roll out this year, which was just a beautiful gift for our kids, right? And I want to thank you, Spencer, directly, for the work and the personal accountability that you put into that. Um, but I would also like to acknowledge that you would not have been able to do those things if you
035hadn't had a board that is able to support you and give you the resources that you need. So from a parent standpoint, I look at it as if there had been different people sitting in these seats for the last two years. My kids might not have some of the opportunities that they do. Those votes might have gone a different way and um that means something to me as a mom. Uh yes, I have read his books. Yes, I am familiar with his I think that he's a good man. I think that his social media might not reflect that, but I do believe him to be a good man. I do also, however, understand that this is a very unique and uncomfortable situation for the six of you to be in, right? I have no doubt
036that you're going to make a decision here this evening that you feel is in the best interest of the district and the students that you serve. While you're waiting that [clears throat] decision, please keep in mind and remember that there are going to members of this community that support you regardless of what decision you make here. This is not going to be an easy one. Um, and thank you for your service, for your time. Um, and good luck. My name is Mer Grant and my law. As news continues to spread of yet another debacle involving area schools, I keep hearing the same question asked. How did this guy get on the board in the first place? The truth is, we did not elect him. Our community did not choose him. At least three people, well,
037not four people in this room know exactly how this happened because three are still serving on this board today. In fact, on September 23rd, 2024, matter to you that made the motion and Tim, you supported it. Julie and Amber voted yes. There were six candidates that applied for this position from our community. There was three positions open. So, three people were passed up for Travis Neville. You cannot make this community believe there wasn't better people. You had another opportunity to correct this mistake in February of 2025 when I followed your board policies and I formally reported Mr. Neville's disturbing social media activity to board president Julie Loila. Instead, I received a response one year later telling me, "Well, I talked to legal and there was nothing we could do." I disagree. There was something you
038could have done and there's something you must do today. Your own policy 2302, your code of ethics, it clearly states a board member will not use any board position for actual or perceived personal or political gain. You have actual proof that Travis continues to leverage his board position and volunteer coaching position in his book advertisements on social media. This community has made it clear to you they perceive this as well. The same policy states each board member will be mindful of a board member's fiduciary obligations to this district, including loyalty and care, placing the district's interest above a board member's personal interests. You have hundreds of exhibits and examples that we have all sent to you that show Mr. Neville is in violation of this. Item A6 of your code of ethics states a board
039member will encourage constructive dialogue among the board, students, staff, parents, guardians, and the school community. In direct violation of the standard, Mr. Neville has posted multiple valid threats and demeaning comments on those who have spoke against him to this point, even mocking a parent who filed a formal complaint against him with a quote suck. Duke Ellington once said, "A problem is a chance for you to do your best." Tonight, this community needs all of you to do your best. I urge you to follow your own policies, the laws of our state, and publicly censure Travis Ne. remove him from all committee assignments and request his resignation forth with make it not possible for him to ever volunteer with any of our students in any in any way. If he refuses to resign, which I'm sure
040he will, you must contact our governor's office immediately and have him removed in accordance with the board's own policy and pursuant to the Michigan Constitution. Your individual vote tonight will send a clear message to your constituents, to the taxpayers, your co-workers, your clients, your community, our athletic teams, our teachers, and most importantly, the students in our schools. Any vote to allow Travis Neville to remain on this board or in any coaching [cough and clears throat] is not neutral. It is a public declaration of support for his hateful, racist, bigoted rhetoric. This community is watching. Our students are watching. You have 2,000 views on your board meetings. When has that ever happened? Everybody is watching. Do your best. Follow your policies. Restore our faith. >> [applause] >> Hello, my name is David Martin. I live in
041the city of Shboen. Lifelong resident. I've raised five children here, four daughters. very proud of. I have grandchildren, daughters, and sons. I care about both genders equally. But moving on, whatever tonight may bring, think of this as perhaps a cautionary tale. Um, we the people vote you folks in. Generally speaking, unless you appoint somebody, you need to represent the people, the majority of the people. That's how democracy works. So, um, moving on that note, I think you should do more research. If you do appoint somebody, a simple Google search could have easily found Mr. Neville in all his history. And if you think that's good history, shame on you for electing him or at least nominating him. And I believe the superintendent also probably had a chance to look into not a good job, sir.
042And also I think uh I think moving forward the community would definitely like an answer tonight in one way, shape or form of what you want to do, what you can or not. That's all I have. [applause] Hi, my name is I've lived in since 1994 here. Um, and I have three kids. I graduated from high school. I'm a really empty neester. So, I have been to the support meetings many times, but not when any of you were serving. And I'm sorry that I haven't been back since you started. Um, I was really involved with uh my kids at um, especially when they were in high school. I was a driver for this school and um, I was part of the academic boosters. I was president for a while. Um, but my favorite job was
043that I was speaking so I got to team um, and so I didn't come to public schools. I didn't go to public schools when I was growing up. And so when I moved to Shabboan and my kids started to be school age, I just didn't know what public schools were and what they were like. And I will confess that my kids didn't go to the public schools at first. Um but then of course they eventually they did. And my first interaction with what public schools are about were um related to snow days. So uh I grew up in Minnesota. But we didn't have snow days and I didn't really understand and so I would get so frustrated when there are snow days and one winter there are so many snow days it was making me
044crazy and I would just get so mad and I called the bus garage and I'm like what is going on is the skies are blue there's nothing on the road why in the world is and the bus uh garage said lady uh you know town I wrote is the passel bus there and I the phone. I'm like, "Okay, so like one row of families can't get to school and my kids are here and not and it made me mad." And so I complained a lot as many people in this room were witnessed to. But then people started to talk to me about it and they said, "Hey, you know what though? You know, some kids they parents can't drive to school or sometimes there's a cold day and it's really bad and they're like, "Yeah,
045but kids have to stand outside and wait for buses." And I'm like, "Well, can't we have a can we little boxes, you know, those little clips for them. And people are like, "No, that's not what this is about." And it took me a few years, but I figured it out, right? It's about we don't leave kids, right? We don't we don't move on. We don't say, "Oh, you can't get to school, so we're going to have to have school anyway without you. We're going to leave, right?" Oh my gosh. Once I realized that, I uh you know, I'm a super fan, right? Like what a beautiful thing. And I can I could stand here all day to tell you how I saw that manifested in my experience at especially high school which is where we
046were most of the time. I got to sit on the stage for the academic awards and my favorite thing was that I didn't see the kids. I saw the teachers faces giving those kids those awards. I got to go to speed club with these high school kids who aren't driving their parents crazy, right? And they are the nicest, sweetest, wonderful kids. And they still I saw them in behind me and you know it was such [clears throat] a great experience to be part of high school. I saw so much inclusion and so much love and so much respect and so much effort on the part of the staff and the teachers and the parents and all, you know, everybody that was involved. So, you know, when I heard about what was happening, it just breaks
047my heart, right? It just breaks my heart because there are so many people to make every kid feel seen. I have a daughter that was really good academically and a son even school and barely pass you know and school was a place for both girls and as well as my middle child and I just that's the school that I know and that's the school district that I know and so to have something that's coming between those kids and what they deserve and what is happening to them it just breaks my heart. I um am a a nonprofit executive director and I work with hundreds of nonprofits. That is literally my job to work with nonprofits who are all um led by boards, right? Nonprofit boards. It's not the same as a school board because there's
048a little bit more um freedom, but I know boards, right? And I know your job and it's really hard and um I don't you know I don't envy right from what I'm going on right now. But ultimately the role of the board is to be the steward of that community that you're the leadership for. Right? So I just wanted to come and just talk about that little community for you just to remind you what's at stake here, right? It's not about I mean it is about the rules. It is about conduct and all those things, but you know it's our kids. It's our kids that are at the people who are supporting those kids that are at stake. And this school, this place is amazing. and I just don't want anything to choose. So, thank
049you for your time. [applause] Ladies and gentlemen of the board, my name is Kate Lindsay. Again, I'm a community leader. live at 518 Tyler um turned in a complaint against snow in May 2025 and it disappeared and so I resubmitted that complaint last week and I'm submitting this as an addendum to that complaint. Um some communities have community members have tried to come to Neville's defense citing first amendments protections for freedom of speech. I submit that no one here has asked Neville uh Neville's speech to be limited. We have said that he cannot post. We have not said that you cannot post a podcast. Um just for the community sake. Um the first amendment doesn't protect you from the standards that your job or your position on the board or coaching staff or volunteer um
050expects you to adhere to. You must still adhere to those standards. So um everybody's kind of talked about that a little bit. Just want to remind the board that the United States Supreme Court ruled unanimously in the Houston Community College System versus Wilson that a public entities board such as a school board can censure a member for their speech without violating the First Amendment. So, don't let that get in your way. Um, as I stated in my original complaint, uh, this board member violated the area schools board uh, code of ethics for school board members in several different areas. um we know that he is unfit to serve the interests of female students and and anybody in a beautiful diversity of humanity. So um I understand that some of you may feel the same way
051that that he does about the world. It's possible you may be a misogynist. You may also be a racist. Um you may think that public schools should be parochial schools where you're on the wrong board. You feel that way. You may think that racist jokes are the best jokes. You might want women quiet and in the kitchen, but not a single one of you is dumb enough to post those beliefs all over social media under your real name and discuss your role as a coach and a school board member at the same time. So, do you really want to support someone who is foolish enough to do that? Cuz not a single one of you is dumb enough to do that. You all have a good sense to keep your those secret beliefs secret enough
052where you're just you and your family and friends maybe. But um you know whether or not you share these beliefs does not matter. you are are held here by your standard and you must hold him accountable. Um so I you must censure him. You must remove him from just as we asked. You must remove him from any committee assignments. Again, he's a seat warmer from now on. No contact with students, no contact with coaching. He shouldn't be handing out his book to anybody. Not I mean, if they want his book, they can order it from his website. Um, so please ask yourself, do you really want to vote for someone who is so stupid to make you all look bad from this point forward? Um, so the way that you vote tonight will haunt you.
053Um, it will follow you. Everyone in the community is watching and will know from this point forward whether or not you support Travis Neville's beliefs in the way that he chooses to blare them across the universe and embarrass you and maybe jeopardize future job prospects. I don't know. So, you should vote with your personal futures in mind. So is that [applause] right here in my hand? My name is Mark Rosski. I have a little bit of history in this district. I uh currently have five of seven of my grandchildren attending the school district. I've had three graduates and if you want to judge success by degrees, doctor, lawyer, medical technician, um, nephews, doctors, lawyers, many successful people. Perception is reality board. Madam President, I don't know if it was an intentional thing or just missed,
054but MC 380 1107 also has in there, and you've heard it multiple times tonight, the right for censorship. And in the absence of anything you do tonight, it just takes a simple majority vote by the board to officially censure this individual. And then you follow up with a written program as why he's been censured and it makes him that warm but in the seat until the public either decides they want to recall vote which then involves all board members or we seek assistance from the governor. This board, and I've worked with many boards, has kind of drifted over the years, maybe got ourselves into a little bit of this situation. Our own school board policy, and I stand corrected because I haven't looked at it, but I wanted to stay on the outside looking in.
055But with my five grandchildren, seven total, four and females, I take great offense to what is being posted by a board member. Board policy simply states that unless we cannot find anybody else, no administrator or board member shall be a coach in this district. I find it hard to believe that we cannot find coaches that are not administrators or board members. The board, you should know this. You only have one person you're responsible for. That is a superintendent. Your interactions with staff members as a board member should not exist. You don't have that right nor that authority. If you have a problem, you go to your superintendent or your board president and make that something. But yet, we have board members in gyms. We have board members with keys. We have things that are happening
056in the district that should not be happening and it got out of control and it would have protected you. And I think that's why those board policies were put in place. was to protect this group. And believe me, I know how hard you work. I know the time you put in. It's not one meeting a month. You walk out of here with a huge portfolio of information that you have to follow up upon. That seat of the superintendent is to bring it all together. That's not an easy job. Most difficult and most hated job I ever had. But I loved it. So I do have a feeling for where you are at tonight. But I do know you can make a difference with a majority vote to agree to censure this. And again, I'm not
057a lawyer, but I've studied and I've looked and I've been involved with MCL 38 1107 under what Madame President stated, we cannot do or the only way we can get rid of a board member allows you for censorship to put a warm button to seat. Thank you. [applause] >> [applause] >> at this point. [clears throat] All right. Jenna Lynholm, you have my address on the paper. Good evening, members of the board. I stand before you not as a partisan, not as an activist, not as someone looking for a fight, but as someone born and raised here. This is the town that shapes me. The town I choose to raise my four children in. The town I am proud to call home. Shboan is not perfect. But it is good. It is decent. It is made
058up of hardworking people who care about one another and who care deeply about our children. Let me be absolutely clear about something. This is not about stifling free speech. This is not about silencing political opinion. In fact, to quote, "He who must not be named himself. The first amendment protects you from the government, not from your employer, and not from me." He is correct. Even a broken clock is right twice a day. The first amendment protects citizens from government censorship. Free speech means you can speak. It does not mean you are free from accountability. It does not mean you are free from professional standards. It certainly does not mean you are entitled to a position of trust in the education of our children. It does not prevent elected bodies from censuring members for their speech
059and it does not shield anyone from the moral judgment of their community. And in a time when divisiveness cuts like a knife across this country, we are witnessing something remarkable here. Unity. Shabboan is not some liberal haven. This room is not filled with woke leftists here to attack another mediocre white man. That narrative may be convenient. It may play well online, but it collapses the moment you look around this room. Republicans, Democrats, Libertarians, independents, people who disagree on almost everything else, are united on one simple nonpartisan belief. The people entrusted with the education of our children, whether in the boardroom or on the field, should be good people. [clears throat] When I went to school here, there was a poster hanging in more than one classroom that read, "Stand up for what's right, even if
060you're standing alone." Tonight, I'm standing at the podium alone in this moment. But I'm not alone. Others spoke before me, others may speak after me. And while many here will not stand at this podium, they showed up. And their presence is a statement. Members of the community, I'm going to ask something of you. If you're here tonight to show this board that you stand with students, if you're here because you believe integrity matters, if you believe accountability is not censorship, if you believe your children deserve role models worthy of their trust, please stand up. Look around. [applause] >> [applause] >> THIS is not a part uprising. This is shabboing. Members of the board, you're not being pressured by outsiders. You're being called on by your neighbors, the people you see in the grocery store, at
061football games, at church, the families raising the next generation right here. You have a choice. You can frame it as politics, you can frame it as free speech, or you can recognize it for what it is, a community asking you to uphold the standards we expect for those entrusted with the education of our children. Vote to censure. call for his resation, permanently remove him from coaching in our district. Show our students that when something is wrong, adults do not retreat into excuses. We take responsibility because our children are watching. And as you can clearly see, this community stands behind them. [applause] [cheering] >> [applause] >> Okay, see no other would like to speak at this time to enter to enter close session. purpose of reviewing a written complaint concerning the member of the board. Close
062session will be limited to reviewing the complaint and information necessary for the board's deliberate deliberation. No decisions will be made in close in close close session. Any action that follows will occur in open session as required by law. I need a motion to move to close session. >> Motion to close session. Motion made by Tim by Deusky. >> Yep. >> Richard Kean. >> Yes. >> Tim Har. >> Yes. >> Deborah Muner. >> Yes. >> Matt Malar. >> Yes. >> And Julia. >> Yes. >> Um before we go to close session, there are some students that have requested to leave the meeting prior to which they can sign. So if you Could you please come forward now so we can sign our session? Next on the agenda is the Consideration of a resolution explaining the actions
063and comments of trustee Travis Neville for violation of board policy operating procedures and code of ethics. I want to be clear to everyone present. This item is not about removing a trustee. Under Michigan law, an elected or appointed board member cannot be removed from the board. This action is about the board's responsibility to state when conduct by an individual trustee who violates the board policy or our operating procedures and to clarify that such conduct does not represent for the board as a whole. At this time I will read the resolution. Resolution explaining the actions performance of trust fee travel for violations of board policy and operating procedures. Shboan area schools board of education. Whereas members of the Shboen area school board of education are expected to uphold the highest standards of professionalism, integrity, and respectful
064conduct as outlined in board policy and board operating operating procedures. Whereas trustee Neville has engaged in social media posts and made public comments that are inconsistent with these expectations, including conduct that does not align with the board's established norms for communication, the quorum, and responsible repres representation of the district. Whereas such actions and comments have caused concern with the community, creating disruption to the orderly functioning of the board and reflected behavior contrary to the standards required of elected officials serving the Shuen area schools. Whereas the board recognized recognizes that under the Michigan law, including ML16810, The board of education does not possess the authority to remove an elected trustee from or acquainted from office for misconduct. Whereas the board nevertheless has both the responsibility and the authority to formally state in the trustes conduct violates
065board policy or operating procedures and to make clear that such does not represent the board as a whole. Whereas the board further finds it necessary to qualify the limits of individual trustee authority so that the Chicago area schools community and its members are placed on notice that must specifically authorized by motion of this board. An individual member of the school board has no greater authority than that of as an individual community member and that such individual's comments and conduct should not be construed as representing the position or the opinion of the school board. The Shabbo. Now, therefore, be it resolved that the Shabbo School's Board of Education hereby formally disclaims and disavows the actions and comments made by Trustee Travis Neville and that are in violation of our board policy and board operating procedures. The
066board affirms that these actions and comments do not reflect the values, standards or position of the boy schools board of education. The board reader reiterates that no individual trustee speaks for or represents the board unless expressly authorized by a newly adopted motion. That Any statements or conduct by an individual trustee outside of such author authorizations shall not be interpreted as board positions. The board reaffirms its commitment to ethical governance, re respectful communication and adherence to board policy and operating procedures by all trustees. The resolution shall be entered in the official minutes of the board of education and made available to the public as part of the board's commitment to transparency and accountability. This resolution also places that is the resolution um that this resolution also places the Shabbo area schools community and its members on
067notice that unless specifically authorized by notion of the board. An individual member of the school board has no greater authority than any individual community member and that such comments and conduct should not be construed as representing the position of the of the or the opinion of the school boards. The resolution has been provided to all board members. At this time, I would like to make a motion to adopt the resolution as presented. >> I support that motion. Motion made by me, supported by Devaski. >> Yep. >> Wait, we are not voting yet. At this time, I would give like to give each trustee their entitlement to share their perspective on this disclaimer resolution. Trustees may agree or disagree and that diversity abused is part of the responsible democratic practice. We will now invite any board
068members who wish to speak to offer remarks. I will make my statement first. Remember this is my statement. The board cannot agree with my beliefs. Before we move to a vote on this resolution, I want to speak to the seriousness of issues before us, the responsibility we carry as a governing body. This this resolution documents social media actions and comments by trustee Travis Neville that violate board policy, our operating procedures, and the board's code of ethics. These are not subjective disagreements. They are findings grounded in standards that every trustee commits to uphold. Our polic policies exist to ensure that board operates with integrity, respect, and accountability. When a trustee when a trustes conduct repeatedly conflicts with those expectations, it affects more than internal dynamics. It impacts it impacts our create credibility in the public and
069our ability to govern effectively. It is also important to acknowledge the legal framework we operate within. Under Michigan law, school board does not have the authority to remove an elected or appointed trustee. Our responsibility is to document violations, take corrective action where possible, and maintain transparency with the community. If when conduct reaches a point where it disrupts the board's ability to function, the only mechanism for restoring stability is voluntary resignation. The purpose of the resolution is to formally and publicly acknowledge the breach of our policies and ethical standards. It creates a clear record of the board's expectations and the ways in which those expectations have not been met. It also signals to our community that we take our governance responsibilities seriously and that we will not ignore conduct that undermines the work of this district.
070If the resolution passes, it will be the board's official statement that these violations are significant and incompatible with the responsibilities of a trustee. In that context, I believe it is appropriate to state openly that the board's ability to move forward productively, respectfully, and the public trust requires Travis Neville to consider reservation. This is not about punishment. It is about restoring the conditions necessary for effective governance. Our student, staff, and community deserve a board that can work together, follow its own policies, and model the standards we expect from others. I encourage each trustee to consider the facts documented in this resolution, the impact on our district, and the importance of upholding the integrity of this board. Our vote today is not only about the conduct in question. It is about reaffirming our commitment to responsible ethical
071leadership. Are there any other board members who would like to make a statement? I'll go next. After reviewing board policies, board code of ethics, and board operating procedures, I have come to the conclusion that Travis Neville breached the public's trust through his actions on social media and violated not only schoolboard policy, but also our code of ethics. I base my opinion on facts provided through the process of investigation, advice from both the district's lawyers and the school board's lawyer, as well as my own research and deliberate thought. I believe Travis's actions have placed the entire board in a bad light with this community and acknowledge the legal and ethical obligations required in response to the violations of board policy and ethical standards. I believed Mary school board should censor Travis's action by the proposed resolution
072and I further believe Travis should consider resignation and this board's focus should return to the important work that we are entrusted to do. Any others? >> Sure. >> First off, in all my dealings with Travis in board meeting and reports on the athletic committees, he has always pushed to enhance our athletic programs here in the schools. And I think some of the things that we've accomplished with the athletic program is a reflection of that. There are some people who think that athletics should not be in schools, says it's a waste of money. But data says when% of our high school students in Shabbo have played on at least one sport this year says that athletics is an important part of our educational program. Also, I would like a lot of talk about social media and
073stuff like that, but no one ever talked about and I would like to add that no point does a parent ever give up their right or their responsibility to monitor what the student or the kids are giving to read or watch even when attending the schools. If a teacher or a coach or even a door to door evangelist gives something for my kids to read, I'm going to read it first and I'll decide whether it's appropriate for them or not. I'm not giving up my right as a parent when my kids go to school and say, "Oh, here's a book. Read it." I'm going to read it first. I decide it. Also, I will do the same with social media when and if I finally decide to let them get on social media. Believe it
074or not, they are not on social media. And speaking of social media, to me, it's the worst invention in human time. I only joined Facebook a little over a year ago. It's the only one I am. Uh, as really I needed restaurant information. Netflix. I've only listened to four podcasts partially. Two from Micro, two from Sean Ryan on the dangers of Roblox to kids. Other than that, I'm not a fan of social media and I actually never even heard Travis had a podcast until this issue came up. But in regards to the original complaint filed 218, board member made a post on 219 that crosses the line to me crosses line for the expected conduct of a board member and is just not becoming or projecting what a board member should act like. 220, February
07520th, the complaint met with school personnel in regards to the complaint and meeting notes from this superintendent were distributed to the board of education late on the 20th. This board member then posted on the next day 221 that attack and mock mocked the complainant with information that I as a board member did not know and were not because I was not in the meeting and were not the meeting notes. He disclosed information that I did not know. I did not know about this until actually meeting on the 23rd in which afterwards we went in close session which then I was told about his post. Again, I'm not on social media. I don't care. So, since the board meeting on 23rd, I've been in this office way too often through a lot of the complaints and
076to me this post both on the 19th and on the 21st definitely cross the line. And not only is it crossing the line for ethics and conduct, but it actually is actually attacking a customer. And that is totally disagreeable. In the corporate world that I come from, if I had an employee that attacked one of our customers on a social media post, he would have been terminated that day. That's just benefit of being in the corporate world. The other problem I have is that information he conveyed is that post on the 21st is somewhat confidential. And in that respect, how are we going to have an open conversation with Tra the board member knowing that anything you say to him could be disclosed. So I think that will limit or restrict communication with him. I
077believe as well as members of the public and made them the comments here today that board members should respect differing opinions whether we're right, left, middle, doesn't matter but you should respect it and you should cultivate a culture of civility, a collaborative environment, respect for disagreement because respect for the disagreement will increase the quality of the discussion. I also think everyone whether it's the board or the public speaking should speak professionally avoid the personal attacks remain calm and use evidence-based arguments which is also expected from the public as well because of this I also feel that this board member should resign from his position on >> anybody else I just brief briefly. Um, I add all the assignments there that Rich just said. I I would say I've been Lewis went on the board. I
078was elected into this position last [clears throat] year. I had the privilege to serve on that as a member of the community. I have two children that are in school systems now. Um, I never knew Travis had never even knew he had a book. He served as chair on our athletic committee. He fought for the girls that didn't get voted in for the volleyball state. He was the most upset of us all. He brought that cheer to his school systems. So I think some of the um rhetoric of some of the complaints on Travis were just nasty and uncalled for. his conduct sense and kind of reaches out. A's position as a board member certainly does cross the line of our ethics policies and that's all I want to say about that in my position
079here in my DN Travis. He was respected very respectful person. I would encourage you all having conversation with no more discussion. >> Richard, >> yes. Tim, >> yes. >> Deborah Buunner, >> yes. >> Mic, >> yes. >> And Julie Loka, >> yes. >> For the record, the board has formally displayed the actions and the comments identified with the resolution. The action clarifies that those students do not represent the board and reaffirms that the board collected only to his official actions. At this point, I would like to motion to motion invite Cat. >> All the way down.