Wednesday night during a special meeting, the Board of the Greater Albany School District fired Superintendent Melissa Goff under a no-cause dismissal policy.
The vote was 3 to 1, with Directors Pete Morse, Roger Nyquist and Brad Wilson voting to fire Goff, and Director Michael Thomson voting no. Chairman Eric Aguinaga abstained.
Goff was not present at the meeting, at the request of the board.
Oregon State Senator Sara Gelser wrote a letter to the board in support of Goff, which Thomson wanted to read out loud. His request was denied.
In the letter, Gelser said she was concerned Goff is being blamed for the COVID-related difficulties the school district encountered. Gelser also mentioned criticism of Goff’s policies on inclusion and diversity.
Thomson said he felt the action was taken too soon, and without enough oversight.
“They wanted a quick and simple action with the least amount of discussion as possible, and that’s what they pursued that whole meeting,” Thomson said.
More than 100 community members attended the meeting, both in support of and in opposition to firing Goff. Many cheered and booed after the board vote.
No public comment was taken at the meeting. No explanation was given.
