Letter to Board re: Superintendent Investigation and Board Chair Recusal

December 9, 2025

Dear Members of the Bandon School Board, We are writing on behalf of the complainants whose concerns were reviewed during the Board executive session on 12/8/25. Now that the Board has taken action, we are requesting several clarifications and next steps to understand the process moving forward and to ensure that all complaints are handled appropriately.

1. Written Response to Each Complaint

We request a written response summarizing how each of the complaints reviewed in the executive session will be addressed. This includes all six complaints referenced in the Board’s motion.

2. Clarification of “Inquiry” vs. “Investigation”

During the meeting, the word “investigation” was changed to “inquiry” by the Superintendent. These terms are not interchangeable, and the distinction has direct implications for the scope and rigor of the process. We request written clarification of:

● How the Board defines “inquiry,”

● The intended scope of this review, and

● Whether the process will include full fact-finding, document collection, interviews, and written findings.

Given the seriousness and breadth of the concerns, we strongly request that the Board authorize a comprehensive, independent investigation through an agency with appropriate legal authority, such as the Teacher Standards and Practices Commission (TSPC), rather than relying solely on an OSBA-recommended reviewer. TSPC provides far greater independence, oversight authority, and credibility.

3. Timeline for the Investigation Process

We request a projected timeline for:

● Selection of the investigator,

● The anticipated start of the review, and

● When complainants can expect to be contacted.

4. Clarification of Chair Cardas’s Recusal

Chair Cardas stated that she would recuse herself from “the entire process.” To avoid any ambiguity, we request written confirmation that this recusal applies to all:

● Deliberations,

● Communications,

● Oversight of investigator selection or direction, and

● Board votes relating to the investigation or resulting corrective action.

A full and complete recusal is necessary to maintain the integrity of the process.

5. Placement of the Superintendent on Administrative Leave

Because the superintendent is the subject of several complaints and maintains direct authority over many complainants and potential witnesses, we request that she be placed on immediate administrative leave pending the outcome of the investigation. This is standard practice in Oregon when a superintendent becomes the subject of a formal review and is necessary to prevent:

● Interference with witnesses,

● Retaliation or perceived retaliation,

● Destruction or alteration of evidence, and

● Influence over the investigative process.

Taking these steps will help protect staff, the community, and the credibility of any investigative findings.

We request a written response to these items within 7 days. Thank you for your attention to these matters.

Sincerely,

Trevisiol Chris Trevisiol (Dec 9, 2025 19:25:28 PST)

Karina Taylor (Dec 9, 2025 19:34:23 PST)

Jen Ells (Dec 9, 2025 19:57:43 PST)