The Woodland Hills School District board has censured one of its members, Darnika Reed, following her disclosure of internal communications on social media. In a tight decision reached during a special legislative meeting yesterday, the board voted 5-4 to impose disciplinary actions on Reed. The district accused her of using the email she provided to share private district staff and board member emails without consent, as reported by WTAE.
According to a statement from the school board, Reed has been restricted from the district's technology networks, including the loss of her district email access. However, she can still receive PowerSchool updates and district robocalls. Additionally, and not without irony due to the nature of her transgression, the board has removed her from all committee positions and has formally requested her resignation.
Superintendent Dr. Daniel Castagna articulated the board's stance, stating, "The board made a statement tonight that they will not condone any breach of confidential information by any sole board member," as reported by CBS News. Policy 815, which delineates acceptable use of the district's networks and technology, was cited as the standard Reed allegedly violated. Meanwhile, Reed defended her actions, declaring her intent was transparency regarding the board's pre-approval of contracts through email before public meetings.
"A vote to approve the spending of millions of taxpayer dollars is not a private matter, and should not have taken place in an email thread," Reed stated, as detailed by CBS News. She argues that sharing the information, which she believes is publically discoverable, was a measure to prevent undisclosed contract approvals, adding, "The only difference now is that constituents can see exactly how their school board representatives act when there are no cameras around." Reed posits this turmoil as a strategy to exclude her from being part of the hiring committee in the ongoing search for a new superintendent.
