Oswego School Board Does Not Vote Off One Of Its Members

OSWEGO, NY-- The Oswego School Board voted Tuesday night against kicking off one of its members, Francis Hoefer. The meeting was planned a month ago, when Hoefer accused several board members of failing to pay school taxes.

One school board member, James Tschudy, called out for Hoefer's removal from the board. Although he seemed to have initial support, he was one of only two board members who voted to eliminate Hoefer. Tschudy said that this vote does not mean the conflict is over yet.

"There's always the possibility that the [education] commissioner may be approached, and another judgment would be forthcoming," Tschudy said.

Hoefer was previously voted off of the Oswego School Board in 2004. His violations included:

• Revealing confidential information
• Disrespecting School Board Members
• Harassing other Board Members
• Voting against tenure without considering facts of individual case

The legal process to remove Hoefer in 2004 cost the board $46,000. Tschudy believes that these costs influenced the board's vote this time around.

"Some board members felt this was a cost they'd prefer to avoid," Tshudy said.

Hoefer was reelected to the Oswego School Board in 2009, and is currently serving his three year term.