School board member Julie Backer responds to accusations
At an impromptu meeting, Kirkwood School District Board of Education President Darnel Frost asked board members to look into censuring fellow board member Julie Backer Feb. 1. Frost then called for Backer to recuse herself from the search for a new district superintendent, claiming she has acted in a disrespectful manner and violated school board policies during her tenure. Backer was not in attendance at the meeting.
In a statement to TKC, Backer said, “I am shocked and dismayed by the actions of Darnel Frost, president of the Kirkwood School Board, and Jean Marie Andrews, school board member, who joined in the attacks on me. I was not at the (February 1) meeting and was not notified that I was on the agenda. It is unprecedented and outrageous that fellow school board members would attack another member publicly so close to re-election. I have been on the board for 6 years, I have the second most experience of anyone on the board and I have the most experience with children going all the way through Kirkwood schools. I have heard from supporters across the school district, including Kirkwood teachers, administrators, parents and community members who are as upset as I am. I am going to continue to take the high road. I am proud of my record working on behalf of students, parents, grandparents and residents of Kirkwood School District.”
Frost and Andrews have not yet commented.
This article will be updated continuously.
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Clyde • Feb 25, 2020 at 4:10 pm
First of all, Backer is shocked and dismayed about none of this. The charges made in the censure document have been, for the most part,
known and were attempted to be mediated through several avenues. Backer would have none of it. She is obstinate, combative, and vindictive. A rabid badger has a better disposition. Her goal since having gotten on the school board has been to CONTROL it. The reason Bernardi and Backer vote against Prop S is because they didn’t get elected as school board President and Vice President,respectively. in April 2019. From then on, they have done their very best to sabotage anything proposed that would make Kirkwood School District better. Why? because it did not happen on their watch.
Lauri • Feb 5, 2020 at 4:15 pm
I find this very frightening given that she is one of two Board members opposed to Prop S. Sounds like an attempt to silence an opposite opinion. Surely these issues Mr. Frost and Ms Andrews allege have not just surfaced? Timing is very suspect. I’ll be at the meeting to show my support of Ms Backer.
Jason • Feb 4, 2020 at 9:08 pm
This would be more interesting if she were under fire for not working to improve school lunches. I mean seriously, what gives?