School board takes no action in response to union in Powers case
Goldendale School Board met in a closed meeting on Thursday to discuss a complaint made by the union representing Goldendale school employees in the case of termination of employment of Cheri Powers. The union notified the school that they believed the process did not provide a “Loudermill hearing,” which requires that the school show all of their evidence and allow the accused to present their side of the story prior to the termination. It is based on a U.S. Supreme Court decision on a case in Ohio that dealt with the rights of public employees.
The union suggested modification of the school’s action, according to Superintendent Mark Heid. Following nearly an hour of closed-door discussion, Heid emerged to say that no action will be taken by the Board. “I feel we did [follow the process] and they say we didn’t,” said Heid
The school terminated Powers’ employment on April 26 following her arrest for sexual misconduct in regards to alleged sexual involvement with a GHS student. The case has not gone to trial.