Syracuse, N.Y. — City school board President Tamica Barnett says the effort to remove Commissioner Twiggy Billue from her elected seat is not related to a lawsuit recently filed against Billue’s son, who works for the district.
“This matter is not related to a matter set forth in a lawsuit,” Barnett told syracuse.com | The Post-Standard Monday.
A district employee sued Mered Billue this month accusing him of sexual harassment. Mered Billue is a dean of students with the district.
In a vote the day after Christmas and about a week before Billue is set to start a new term, the school board claimed it has “probable cause” to remove Billue. A board member can be removed for neglecting their duty or violating laws or school rules.
Barnett said she’s not able to say more about what prompted the effort to remove Billue, citing advice from district lawyers.
Neither the board nor the district have said what actions landed Billue in trouble. Details are likely to be revealed during a public hearing in January.
Billue has declined multiple interview requests with syracuse.com.
That hearing will take place the week of Jan. 19 at Nottingham High School, Barnett said. An exact date hasn’t been set.
As of Dec. 29, Billue had not yet been sworn in for her next term as a board member, Barnett said. Billue won re-election in November.
A planned swearing-in ceremony with all of the election winners was canceled at the last minute. Two other board members who won their elections were sworn in privately.
Billue has 30 days from the start of her term to officially be sworn in. That puts the deadline at the end of January.
Someone who hasn’t been sworn in cannot participate in official duties like voting. If she’s not sworn in within 30 days, she forfeits the seat.