The district has declined to name the two teachers that were placed on leave.
Multiple board members issued statements online in the days following their executive session.
“Regardless of political views, celebrating or making light of a person’s death is unacceptable and does not reflect the values we expect from our educators,” said board member Joshua Day. “Our teachers serve as role models for students, and professionalism and respect must always come first. While this matter is under review, my commitment remains the same: to hold our staff to the highest standards and to ensure our schools are places where dignity, respect, and learning thrive.”
Board member Mary Grech noted in a post that paid administrative leave “is the law,” and that she is “called to compassion, logical thinking and problem solving,” rather than fear and division.
“Tyranny walks in when fear opens the door,” Grech wrote. “There are no ‘quick fixes’ despite what your algorithms, your political party, your favorite commentator might tell you. I am working on this board to follow the long, slow, legal process to solve this problem. I want to ensure that Xenia Community Schools continues the work we started of improving functional outcomes that leads to student success.”
The school board met in executive session Monday night, and did not take comments from the dozens of people who attended that meeting, according to district records.
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