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The Syracuse City School District Board of Education has voted to remove Commissioner Twiggy Billue. She faces accusations of violating visitor protocols and breaching the code of ethics by intervening in an issue involving her grandson's classroom. Billue, who was re-elected to a second term in November, denies the allegations against her.
The board's decision follows a public hearing held on Tuesday (January 20) at Nottingham High School. During the hearing, the board outlined the charges against Billue, who also had the opportunity to defend herself. The board's vote to remove her was unanimous, though two members, Nyatwa Bullock and Gwendolyn Raeford, were absent. Bullock is no longer on the board after losing a re-election bid last year.
Billue now has 30 days to appeal the board's decision with the state Board of Education. If her appeal is unsuccessful, Mayor Sharon Owens will appoint a replacement to serve on the board until the next election.
Despite the controversy, the board has not publicly detailed the specific charges against Billue. According to Syracuse.com, the lawsuit involving Billue's son, Mered Billue, who is being sued for alleged sexual harassment, is unrelated to the board's decision to remove her.