A Lehighton Area School District director’s attempt Monday night to remove the board president from the governing body failed when her motion did not receive a second.

Director Barbara Bowes, alleging that President Jeremy Glaush demonstrated a “lack of good moral character and violated ethical standards,” requested his removal under Section 322 of the Pennsylvania School Code.

The motion and allegations

Bowes’ motion cited multiple reasons for seeking Glaush’s removal, ranging from alleged dishonesty during board proceedings to inappropriate conduct toward community members.

According to Bowes, Glaush’s behavior fell short of the standards expected of a school board director. In her statement, which is available as part of Monday night’s meeting agenda, she emphasized his removal as a Scout leader for online conduct, accusing him of lying about his involvement in the hiring process for the district’s business administrator, and neglecting to properly convene an executive session to discuss the superintendent’s contract buyout.

“Jeremy’s actions, including his failure to inform all board members about crucial matters like the superintendent’s buyout, have undermined the integrity of this board,” Bowes said. “His exclusion of key members from these decisions demonstrates a lack of transparency and leadership that is unacceptable.”

Bowes also accused Glaush of mistreating a community member, Tammy Cooks, on Facebook, further stating that his online interactions had been disrespectful and damaging to the board’s reputation. Glaush’s alleged violation of Policy No. 011, which outlines principles of responsible governance, including fostering respect and cooperation within the board, formed the crux of Bowes’ argument for his removal.

Despite Bowes’ impassioned argument, the board’s legal authority to remove Glaush was called into question.

The solicitor, Glaush said, advised that under Section 322 of the Pennsylvania School Code, the board did not have the power to unilaterally remove a sitting member for ethical violations.

This led to a split within the board regarding whether to include the motion on the night’s agenda.

Directors Glaush, April Walker, Heather Neff, and Richard Beltz voted in favor of striking the motion from the agenda, while Bowes and Kerry Sittler voted to keep it. With three members absent — Joy Beers, Sean Gleaves, and Zac Hunter — the motion to strike did not pass, lacking the required five-director majority.

A second vote followed to approve the agenda with Bowes’ motion still included. Glaush, Walker, Beltz and Neff voted against it, but when that motion failed, they reversed their votes to allow the meeting to proceed.

When it came time to vote on Glaush’s removal, Bowes moved forward, but the motion died for lack of a second. Glaush remained on the board, stating that even if the motion had passed, it would not have mattered.

“Our solicitor has advised that this motion is unenforceable,” Glaush said.

Two taxpayers speak out

Lehighton resident Ryan Bowman used Monday’s public comment portion, to speak out in favor of Glaush’s removal.

“The role of a school board member is to serve the best interests of our students, teachers, and community,” Bowman said. “When this role is neglected, it undermines the very foundation of trust and integrity the board is built upon.”

Bowman accused Glaush of a “repeated pattern of behavior” that included dishonesty and unprofessional interactions with community members. He pointed specifically to controversy over former superintendent Dr. Christina Fish’s contract buyout, which he said cost the district significant funds due to a lack of transparency.

“We cannot allow this lack of duty to go unaddressed,” Bowman said.

Former school board member Walter Zlomsowitch echoed these sentiments, asking for Glaush to step down from his leadership role.

“It’s sad that it came to a director’s concern,” Zlomsowitch said. “You brought so much distrust to this board, and now you should do the right thing for our kids.”

Meeting important

The fact that Monday’s meeting took place and didn’t stall out after the first two motions to approve the agenda failed was a welcome sight for Lehighton Area Middle School Principal Steve Ebbert.

The board went on to approve a long-term substitute middle school guidance counselor. Helaine Drouin was hired at a salary of $54,304, prorated for the 2024-25 school year. She will start Oct. 7.

“You never want to be without a guidance counselor so I’m really grateful the board took the time to do the right thing and move forward,” Ebbert said. “Helaine is currently working for the Colonial Intermediate Unit 20 and we think she’ll be a great fit here.”