Zimmerman challenges board’s decision following law conference

By Mary Goldmeer
Mail

Liberty Elementary School District Governing Board Member Kellie Zimmerman challenged the board’s authority to discipline her during a public meeting, citing legal precedent she said was presented at a recent statewide education law conference.

Zimmerman attended the Arizona School Boards Association’s 49th Annual Law Conference. The conference, titled “Liberty, Law & Learning: How the American Legal System Shapes Our Schools,” brought together education leaders, legal experts and advocates to explore legal topics impacting school governance.

At the conference she said she learned that school boards are not legally permitted to discipline individual board members. During the board meeting, she referenced a breakout session led by attorney Susan Segal, who Zimmermann said cited a case establishing that precedent.

“(Segal) was very clear to the entire session that the board is not allowed to discipline one of its members,” Zimmerman said. “So, I would suggest that this board have its legal counsel review the motion.”

After the request, her remarks were interrupted when Board President Michael Todd ruled her comments out of order and put the meeting on hold. 

Zimmerman’s request for legal review refers to an earlier board action taken in response to the findings of an independent investigation into her conduct. That investigation, conducted by the Ledbetter Law Firm, was launched following a formal complaint filed earlier this year. 

The report found insufficient evidence to determine that Zimmerman’s treatment of a district employee was racially motivated, but cited ethical breaches, hostility and unprofessional conduct.

Zimmerman was asked to provide a public apology and asked to not take direct communication with the district’s educators or interim superintendent. 

“I will continue to ask the hard questions because I was elected to do that. I remain committed to my role as a board member,” said Zimmerman “I simply strive to speak the truth and uphold my responsibilities as a publicly elected official,” she said.

More information about the Liberty Elementary School District Governing Board is available at liberty25.org.