Crook County Superintendent Melissa Skinner is under fire with community members over accusations of suspect hiring decisions and nepotism

PRINEVILLE, Ore. (KTVZ) - The trouble continues for Crook County Superintendent Melissa Skinner as a group looking to oust her from her role has gathered over 700 signatures and comes after a raucous student protest and packed board meeting. The group accuses her of suspect hiring practices, including the hiring of her family members.

Crook County Superintendent Melissa Skinner has been out of town dealing with a family emergency all week and has not been able to be reached for her side of the story. NewsChannel 21 reached out to Vice Superintendent Dr. .Joel Hoff and the district's public information office for comment on the matter but both declined, saying they didn't think it was appropriate to speak for Dr. Skinner.

It comes after the superintendent independently decided to transfer popular Athletic Director Rob Bonner from his sports role, a move the school board recommended against in a 4-0 vote at a packed meeting Monday night.

Here's what we know so far:

On Monday, NewsChannel 21 was on the scene as more than 100 Crook County students walked out of school, and took to the streets of Prineville in protest. Reports had spread that Superintendent Dr., Melissa Skinner was planning to transfer longtime athletic Director Rob Bonner out of his role.

At the same time, a formal complaint had been made about Bonner, but Dr. Skinner made the decision to transfer Bonner from his role independently. The complaint reportedly had no influence.

Later that night, families packed the Crook County School board meeting so tight, the fire marshal was concerned about the building's capacity, and dozens were asked to go to an overflow room.

At the meeting, the Crook County School Board voted unanimously not to hear the complaint against Bonner. They also unanimously recommended Superintendent Skinner not transfer Bonner out of his role.

Tracee Tuesday picks up the story from here.

A group of Crook County citizens filed a formal complaint against Superintendent Dr. Melissa Skinner, expressing concerns over her hiring practices, and management decisions within the school district.

The complaint,  set to be submitted this week, alleges unethical conduct, including the hiring of former School Board member Jessica Brumble as Transportation Manager, under questionable circumstances, potential nepotism involving the employment of Dr. Skinner’s family members, and the reassignment of Athletic Director, Rob Bonner, despite investigations finding no wrongdoing on his part.

Concerned Crook County parent Gayden Pack says Dr. Skinner had been making poor managerial decisions.

“Our concern really stemmed from the inappropriate hiring of former Board Member Brumble, who was hired into the Transportation Manager role while still a sitting board member, and so for us, that look like a quid pro quo.”

With regard to Transportation Manager Jessica Brumble, not being qualified to hold her position, sources familiar with this situation tell us, Brumble’s military history does reflect her qualifications to hold that job.

Pack, also brought up concerns over Board Member Cheyenne Edgerly.

“Board Member Edgerly, has openly announced to members of the community that she had a hit list of employees in our school district when she joined the board, so Edgerly and Skinner are known to be good friends in the community. That's well known. Our concern is that Dr. Skinner is taking direction from Board Member Edgerly.”

According to Pack, that direction included, Edgerly encouraging Superintendent Skinner to remove Athletic Director Rob Bonner, from his post, in part because Edgerly was not happy with Bonner over not giving her son enough accolades in football, years prior.

Fast forward. We now know Superintendent Skinner did solely attempt to remove Bonner from his role as Athletic Director, without discussion or a vote from the Board.

We did reach out to Superintendent Skinner, who is currently out of town dealing with a family emergency, and was not able to respond to Newschannel 21’s request for an interview.

We also reached out to Assistant Superintendent Joel Hoff and School Board Member, Scott Cooper for an interview, who both responded back saying they weren’t comfortable commenting of the situation with Superintendent Skinner until she, herself can address the allegations.

The citizens’ letter, signed by more than 700, calls for an immediate suspension of Dr. Skinner’s authority over employment decisions pending a thorough investigation, a review of recent hiring processes, and consideration of a vote of no confidence leading to her termination.

This action follows recent community unrest.

The Crook County School Board is awaiting the official complaint after its legal team reviews it.

This story is ongoing and as always, we’ll keep you updated.