MIDDLETOWN SCHOOL BOARD INVESTIGATION FINDINGS

What we know

The investigation reviewed 22 anonymous complaints

The team interviewed more than 90 people, sometimes more than once, including three of four top leaders accused of misconduct

It determined that it was “more likely than not” that Conner made “unwelcome” romantic or sexual statements and advances toward a senior administrator.

Investigators did not find that former schools chief Michael Conner was “treated differently because of his race,” did not make hiring decisions based on a candidate’s race, and didn’t engage in race/gender/age harassment, as well as other findings.

It determined Chief of Administration Christine Bourne “more likely than not” engaged in “unprofessional behavior” toward employees; engaged in “nepotism and retaliatory behavior toward some individuals; treated a former district supervisor in an “unprofessional manner,” did not address payroll issues in a timely manner, “manipulated some personnel decisions,” and treated a former department supervisor in an “unprofessional manner.”

It did not substantiate allegations that the reprimands handled by Bourne were improper or that she violated COVID protocols by prohibiting administrative employees from entering central office while allowing her friends and family entry.

It did not substantiate that Bourne yelled at people on a frequent basis.

The report “did not substantiate” allegations that Chief of School Operations and Communications Marco Gaylord did not handle Title IX matters properly, but did conclude that it was “more likely than not” that he knew about the allegations against Conner made by a senior administrator, which “he admittedly did not investigate.” It did not substantiate allegations that Gaylord regularly made “rude” or insensitive comments to employees, raised his voice at them, and otherwise engage in unprofessional conduct; and “disregarded” state and federal guidelines governing food service and reimbursement protocols

What we don’t know

Top administration personnel action(s) taken by the public schools as result of study

Are Bourne and Gaylord still on leave, and will they be reinstated?

The alleged victim of Con

ner's “unwelcome” “romantic or sexual statements and advances”

Go to middletownpress.com to learn about the full report findings.