Formal Complaint re: Director of Operations Outsized Salary

Submitted to Bandon School Board March 8, 2026

Pursuant to Board Policy KL a complainant must file a complaint within the later of either time limit set below, in accordance with state law:

1.      Within two years after the alleged violation or unlawful incident occurred OR the complainant discovered the alleged violation or unlawful incident.  Incidents that are continuing in nature, the time limitation must run from the date of the most recent incident; or

2.      Within one year after the affected student has graduated from, moved away from or otherwise left the district.

I discovered the possible violation and unlawful conduct by the Bandon School District Superintendent Shauna Schmerer in October of 2025.  These possible violations and unlawful conduct are very serious and should be investigated.  The date I discovered these possible violations and unlawful conduct is within the two-year timeline set forth in board policy as stated above.

Superintendent Shauna Schmerer hired a close personal friend as director of operations and bond manager for a salary of approximately $130,000 per year to do the same job as the previous director of operations, Chris Trevisiol, who was being paid $57,142.50.

During the “Community Listening Session” on February 26, 2026, at the high school cafeteria, Superintendent Shauna Schmerer stated:

1.      The school district received 7 applicants for the director of operations position.

2.      These applicants had various certifications, degrees, and experience.

3.      Superintendent Shauna Schmerer used a hiring committee to make the final decision.

If the hiring committee hired the best applicant out of the 7 possible applicants, then surely there are degrees or certifications that the current director of operations holds that would warrant the hiring over the 6 other applicants and an incredibly large increase in salary over the previous director of operations. 

If Superintendent Shauna Schmerer states that the director of operations is working “two jobs,” do his paystubs prove he is he working 80 hours per week?  Per review of the budgets, a portion of his salary comes from the “Bond Fund.” Even if his salary was warranted for working two positions (which could be evidenced by reviewing timecards and seeing how many hours per week this individual is working).  The major bond projects have been completed and no further large bond project management is necessary. Thus his “second job” is being removed and as such, the director of operations salary should revert to being paid as “one position.” This is of particular concern at a time when the district is facing a $1.2 million budget shortfall next year and is threatening to cut teaching positions. 

The following issues are of legal and ethical concern:

LEGAL and ETHICAL ISSUES SURROUNDING the Director of Operations Salary Increase.

  • Facts: Maintenance and Bond Projects

    • 2022-23         Chris Trevisiol salary: $57,142.50

    • 2023-24         Current Director of Operations salary: $130,000

    • The new hire is a close personal friend of the superintendent

    • The superintendent attempts to justify this by claiming this person is doing “two jobs,” but the previous director had the same responsibilities. This raises the following LEGAL & ETHICAL ISSUES:

      • Favoritism in Hiring or Pay Decision ORS 244.040(1) Prohibited

        • Use of official position for personal gain.

        • Public officials may not use their position to financially benefit themselves, relatives, or associates.

      • Official Misconduct (Criminal Statute) ORS 162.415(1)(a)  Official misconduct in the first degree. When a public servant, with intent to obtain a benefit or to harm another, knowingly commits an unauthorized act. Example: Misrepresenting that an employee is doing “two jobs” to justify a $130K salary.

      • Fraud, Waste, or Abuse of Public Funds. Even if not criminal, paying a close friend far above market rates can be considered abuse or waste of public resources. This violates public trust and district ethics policy.

Suggested Solution or Relief Sought:

1.      The board immediately places Superintendent Shauna Schmerer on administrative leave pending investigation into this complaint.

2.      This complaint is investigated by an independent third party.

3.     The board does not renew Superintendent Shauna Schmerer’s contract until this and all other formal complaints against Superintendent Shauna Schmerer are fully investigated.

I look forward to your prompt response regarding the status of this investigation.