Board Members Could Face Removal

By Ashli Sims, News On 6

BROKEN ARROW, OK -- The Broken Arrow school board could fire its suspended superintendent on Thursday, but several board members could find themselves in the hot seat as well.

A Broken Arrow businessman says three school board members have neglected their duty and he's starting a petition to get them removed from office.

Shari Wilkins, Sharon Whelpley and Maryanne Flippo are the targets of the petition.

The petition claims the three neglected their duties by boycotting an August meeting and it also accuses them of misusing their authority and district money, when they hired a new, more expensive law firm to represent the district.

The petition calls for the Grand Jury to investigate the claims that could lead to the removal of Flippo, Whelpley and Wilkins from the school board. A judge just OK'd the measure on Wednesday.

John Lare, the man behind the petition, says he'll start collecting signatures on Thursday. That's the same day the school board is set to decide to terminate suspended superintendent Jim Sisney.

Sisney announced last week he would not fight the termination.

It's not clear if the public will be allowed to speak at Thursday's meeting. One of the first items on the agenda is to exclude public comment.

Related Story:

10/21/2008 - Board Could Fire Sisney This Week