Formal Complaint to the Board re: Asbestos Abatement, 12/5/25

I am submitting this formal complaint regarding Bandon School District Superintendent Shauna Schmerer for actions that appear to violate multiple provisions of the Oregon Administrative Rules (OAR) governing ethical and professional conduct for licensed administrators. The information provided below is accurate to the best of my knowledge and is being submitted out of concern for student safety, staff well-being, and the integrity of Oregon’s public education system.

1. Improper and Unsafe Removal of Asbestos Tile

Superintendent Shauna Schmerer knowingly authorized an individual with whom she was in a personal relationship to remove asbestos-containing floor tile from district facilities. She did so despite being presented with a professional asbestos abatement quote by the district’s maintenance director at the time. Rather than follow legally required abatement procedures, she rejected the formal quote.

When the maintenance director informed Superintendent Schmerer that he wanted no part in the project if she planned to ignore asbestos regulations, Ms. Schmerer responded, “You are too much of a goody two-shoes.”

In addition:

  • The asbestos tile was not bagged, sealed, or handled in accordance with required safety standards.

  • The tile was illegally disposed of in the school district dumpster, located directly outside the Bandon High School gym.

  • These actions created safety hazards for students, staff, and the public.

Such conduct constitutes a disregard for established safety laws and professional standards.

Relevant OAR Violations:

  • OAR 584-020-0035(1) – Health and Safety: Failure to maintain the physical safety of students and staff.

  • OAR 584-020-0040(4)(c) – Gross neglect of duty: Failure to comply with state or federal laws, particularly regarding hazardous materials.

2. Misuse of Public Funds

Superintendent Schmerer directed or permitted the use of district funds to compensate the individual who performed this improper asbestos removal. Paying an unlicensed, unqualified person, who was her boyfriend at the time, to perform hazardous work is a misuse of public resources and a violation of ethical and financial responsibilities.

Relevant OAR Violations:

  • OAR 584-020-0035(2)(e) – Honesty and Integrity: Use of district funds and resources must be handled responsibly and lawfully.

  • OAR 584-020-0040(4)(a) – Substantial deviation from professional standards: Misuse of resources and dishonest conduct.

3. Ethical Misconduct and Abuse of Position

Hiring or financially benefiting a person with whom a superintendent has a close personal relationship constitutes an abuse of professional authority and conflicts with ethical obligations.

Relevant OAR Violations:

  • OAR 584-020-0035(3)(a) – Use of Professional Position: Prohibits using a position for personal gain.

  • OAR 584-020-0040(4)(o) – Maintaining professional boundaries and avoiding conflicts of interest.

Request for Investigation

Based on the severity of the conduct described, including safety violations, misuse of district funds, disregard for legal requirements, and ethical breaches, I respectfully request a full investigation into Superintendent Shauna Schmerer’s actions.

The behavior outlined above, if substantiated, appears inconsistent with the professional standards expected of licensed administrators in Oregon and may warrant disciplinary action, including license revocation.

Thank you for your time, attention, and commitment to upholding professional and ethical standards in Oregon schools.

Sincerely,
Chris Trevisiol