Audio leaks and revealing details emerge in Crook County controversy over schools superintendent

(Update: Adding video, comments from Prineville Review)

PRINEVILLE, Ore. (KTVZ) -- On Monday, December 9th, the Crook County School Board met for what local publication the Prineville Review is saying was an illegal executive session.

Audio released by the publication shows discussions between board members and Superintendent Dr. Melissa Skinner about complaints against Athletic Director Rob Bonner.

It comes after the superintendent independently decided to transfer the popular athletic director from his sports position.

In the recording, board members, who we can't identify, discussed eight complaints filed against athletic staff that mentioned Bonner, including his handling of a complaint from a parent in 2023 over bullying and inappropriate conduct allegations against former volleyball coach Jessica Mumm. 

Justin Alderman, who leaked the audio, said, "The whole purpose of the executive session is for the privacy of the public official employee. In this case, it was Mr. Bonner, and he wasn't afforded that opportunity under the law, even though the board cited the statute."

Under Oregon state law, the board must provide a written notice to the public official being considered for dismissal or disciplining.

In a statement to NewsChannel 21, board member Scott Cooper said in part, "The executive session was only to decide if the board would hear a complaint."

Later, he said he is appalled at the unprofessionalism of the Prineville Review for ignoring the rules against recording such sessions. 

Another unidentified board member mentions in the recording that the district has spent thousands of dollars on investigations into Bonner and the multiple complaints against the athletic department, suggesting that a third-party employee should be assigned to overlook Bonner's role as athletic director.

Two board members argued that the complaints had already been discussed in the past and said they saw no problem that needed to be fixed.

Another board member argued that the district continues to give quote slaps on the wrist to people who get in trouble. 

Alderman said, "(Bonner) did indeed, as they confirmed during the board meeting, say, 'I want this done publicly.' And then they shrunk from doing so and simply took a vote and avoided it."

Following the Prineville Review's complaints, the school board met on Monday evening for a planned item regarding Bonner's role. Hundreds of students and parents attended the meeting, calling for the suspension of Superintendent Skinner.

The board voted 4-0 recommending the superintendent not go through with her decision, but there was no discussion about Bonner's complaints.

The school district says its legal team is now looking at the publication's accusations.