Crook County School Board votes for board training in wake of complaint against chair
Published 5:00 am Thursday, December 21, 2023
- Jessica Brumble
Allegations that a Crook County School Board member bullied a high school volleyball coach were dismissed by the board, but the incident was considered serious enough to prompt a unanimous decision Monday night that board members are to receive training on their roles and responsibilities.
Jessica Brumble, the subject of the complaint, recused herself from the discussion about it Monday, as did board member Cheyenne Edgerly. The discussion was held in executive session. Board members will receive training from the Oregon School Board Association.
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Gayden Pack, a parent, complained about Brumble after the Nov. 4 state volleyball tournament, stating Brumble and a member of her family yelled, pointed and laughed in the direction of Jessica Mumm, the Crook County High girls varsity coach. Ultimately, Mumm felt humiliated, according to the complaint Pack emailed to Jennifer Knight, vice chair of the board.
Pack requested Brumble’s removal from the board, as well as an agreement with the school district for Brumble to demonstrate respectful behavior, due to what Pack classified as bullying and harassment.
Keith Ussery, a private investigator, conducted interviews and compiled a report, which the board voted to release to the public after certain redactions were made. Brumble was also granted a hard copy of the report, which she was asked to keep confidential until the report is publicly released.
The board did not come to a consensus regarding the report’s conclusions and did not take direct action against Brumble.
Knight was directed to compile a written version of the board’s response for Pack as required under board policy.
“This whole incident is regrettable, very much, for the pain it caused various people,” said board member Scott Cooper. “We do know that everybody is doing their best to try and figure out the new situation, the new players, the new rules, how we all navigate the rules with each other, so I hope everybody can find ways to demonstrate grace along the way. None of us are perfect; mistakes happen, learn from them and move on.”
Brumble did not return calls for a request for comment.