Principal affair claims take over board meeting

DANBURY TWP. — Some called for an investigation. Some suggested that the situation is a private matter. But many attendees at a recent Danbury Schools board meeting seemed to take an interest and express opinions on publicized extramarital relationship claims involving high school principal Laramie Spurlock. About 40 community members attended the meeting where several stakeholders raised concerns and commented on an alleged affair involving Spurlock. Multiple speakers called for an investigation, questioning Spurlock's ethics and morals. At least one audience member who spoke at the meeting told those gathered that Spurlock's job performance is not being impacted. After hearing from the community and a brief meeting with the district attorney, board president Tim Mackey said the board will consider what was discussed and work with the district attorney on next steps. When asked by a reporter following the meeting, superintendent Cari Buehler did not offer further comment on the allegations or the results of the meeting. Spurlock, who did not speak at the meeting, did not respond to a request for comment. The board will meet again in July. People give opinions Public comment on the alleged affair took up about 20 minutes of the meeting. Seven people took to the podium to give their thoughts: • A man, who identified himself as the husband of the woman involved in the alleged affair, said that while Spurlock is respected and that the matter involved two consenting adults, the conduct affects the school community at large and makes it no longer a private matter, and called for the school district to investigate. • Two others called for an investigation. One speaker said district leaders must live up to district standards, while the other said concerns are no longer whispered but instead spreading across the community, inside and out of the district. • One community member said that district leaders should not have to have their judgment called into question, that some are perceiving "poor judgment and questionable behavior" and that the situation is dividing the community and distracting from all the good happening at the schools. • A district mother said she was unsure if the district was living up to its mission statement after her child came home from school and questioned her about the rumors being spread. • A district employee, speaking on behalf of herself and other members of staff, listed accomplishments reached under the district's current leadership. • One district parent said she has a daughter going into their senior year. Her daughter has heard the rumors, but she and her friends are unaffected by them and are instead "thrilled" with her principal and the accomplishments the district has reached. The speaker concluded by stating that the situation is personal and does not affect the principal's job performance.