LANCASTER, Texas — There has been separation within the Lancaster Independent School District board. “As a board, we are supposed to be one. We are supposed to work together,” said Gregory Stephenson, District 2 Board Trustee.
Thursday, board members voted on reprimanding and censuring two trustees, Temika Whitfield and Stephenson. Passing the vote, Whitfield can only attend meetings virtually until Feb. 29, 2024 and can be charged with criminal trespass if she comes on district property. Stephenson was directed to complete various ethics training by Jan. 11, 2024.
In a regards to the decisions, LISD Board President, Marion Hamilton, responded in the following statement:
"The Lancaster ISD Board of Trustees values serving the district's staff and students and leading with integrity. As elected officials representing our community, it's critical for us as a governing body to maintain the integrity of our community, uphold ethical standards, and hold each member accountable to conduct the district's business. Despite our efforts to foster a collaborative and functional school board, we need to address the inappropriate behavior of two trustees, Gregory Stephenson, District 2, and Temika Whitfield, District 3. Unfortunately, these two trustees have consistently disregarded governance protocols, shown a lack of respect for fellow board members, and disrupted board meetings.
Such behavior is not acceptable for any board member, and we will not tolerate it. Our board is committed to steering the district in a positive direction, and we will not let the actions of two members disrupt our district's business or hinder our progress. We remain focused on the necessary work to move our district forward and apologize as a collective board to our community members who have entrusted us to serve in this capacity.
As a collective board, we must do better and we will do better to establish confidence and integrity within our community through partnership, where we develop a culture of trust through action."
“I have never, never done any name calling. I’ve always been polite," Stephenson said. “It was a terribly unfair process. The charges against me were completely unfounded and false.”
Whitfield also denies the allegations.
“It’s bothersome,” said Whitfield, District 3 Board Trustee. “A lot of the negativity that was brought my way when I questioned documents or requested documents or even nepotism and handling of the funds.”
After a closed session on July 27, 2023, Whitfield claimed she was assaulted by long-time trustee, Carolyn Morris. She filed a report with Lancaster ISD Police on Aug. 1, 2023 detailing the alleged assault. The report said Morris allegedly was violent, aggressive and enraged and caused injury to Whitfield’s hand.
“None of this happened. I am denying all allegations,” said Morris, District 6 Trustee and Board Secretary.
“She or no one ever came to me directly until the night of the board to express that I had harmed her. I was totally surprised but had to respect her position," said Morris.
WFAA reached out to the Dallas County Sheriff’s Office, the agency believed to be handling the investigation, but have not heard back.
In February, the Texas Education Agency assigned a conservator to the district to improve school board governance. This appointment took place following a Special Accreditation Investigation that began prior to Whitfield and Stephenson being elected.
“We’ve had many times where they just sit there jarring at each other, arguing, fussing and fighting,” said Stephenson.
WFAA also reached out to the TEA, but have not received a comment.
The resolutions from Thursday’s meeting outline the conservator’s observation of ongoing issues with governance duties.
“Regardless of when we enter in this room. Our focus has to stay on what is best for our children in this district,” said Morris.
It is a focus they all said they want to put first.