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A newly released report reveals the allegations that led to the removal of Syracuse school board member Twiggy Billue, detailing claims that she intimidated staff and improperly used her position to influence her grandson's education.
The Syracuse City School District published a 67-page investigation report last Thursday that was obtained by Syracuse.com through a Freedom of Information Law request. The report, though heavily redacted, outlines accusations that Billue blurred the lines between her personal role as a grandmother and her official position as a school board member.
According to the investigation, conducted by attorney Wendy DeWind of the Ferrara Fiorenza law firm, multiple school employees reported that Billue established "a pattern of using her position on the school board while dealing with her grandson's education." The report states that on September 17, Billue and her husband entered Roberts PreK-8 School during instructional hours without checking in at the front office or obtaining a visitor's pass.
When confronted about needing a visitor's pass, Billue allegedly responded that "she was not always going to have a pass and that she was the commissioner of education," according to the teachers' union complaint included in the investigation.
The Syracuse Board of Education voted unanimously to remove Billue from her elected position on January 20 following a hearing on the allegations. Billue has consistently denied any wrongdoing, maintaining that she was acting solely as a caregiver for her grandson, who she claims had been bullied for over two years.
"Acting in that role, as any concerned caregiver would, I went to my grandson's school to advocate for his safety and well being," Billue stated in January. "In this situation, however, I was not acting as commissioner. I did not identify myself as commissioner, nor did I suggest that I was acting in my official capacity."
Syracuse Mayor Sharon Owens has expressed uncertainty about whether the school board went too far in removing Billue. "The whole thing for me is just sad," Owens told Syracuse.com. "These are all people who, just like me, commit themselves to public life, and this is the body of individuals and staff who are here to teach and serve the children of the city of Syracuse."
Billue, who was starting her second four-year term after winning re-election in November, has announced she will appeal her removal to New York State Education Commissioner Betty A. Rosa. The appeals process could take up to a year for a ruling to be issued.
Under state education law, Mayor Owens would be responsible for appointing someone to fill the vacant seat, though the timeline and process remain unclear if Billue proceeds with her appeal.