BARDSTOWN, Ky. — Another member of the Nelson County Board of Education is leaving amid concerns about the board's ethics.
Board attorney Eric Farris submitted his letter of resignation to the board on Dec. 20, 2023.
In that letter, he cites a "series of issues" saying he's "unable to reconcile [his] duty to the Board" over "ethical concerns." WHAS11 spoke to Farris about those concerns, but because of attorney-client privilege, he wouldn't speak any further on the matter.
His work will continue for the board while they find a replacement. District three board member Tracy Bowling said the attorney's leave should be a "red flag" for the district.
READ THE ATTORNEY'S FULL RESIGNATION:
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Bowling said Farris was helpful during his time working with the board.
"I'm doing things that are ethical and correct and maintaining what's good for the district of Nelson County," she said. "And I've been very grateful for him working with me."
Farris' resignation comes two months after former school board member Damon Jackey left suddenly in October over ethics concerns of his own. He and Bowling disagreed with the board's decision to move forward with a plan to merge the district's high schools.
That decision sparked protests from students, teachers and bus drivers in the district. Those plans are stalled because it doesn't match what was originally approved by the local planning committee.
"The construction dollars that would be needed to remodel and rebuild the space could not be spent because the district facility plan did not align with that new plan," Bowling said.
At the final board meeting of 2023, Jackey's replacement, Nicole Milburn, successfully voted in Amanda Deaton as the board's new chair. Deaton, who has supported the school merge, spoke against Bowling's nomination for the seat.
"I understand it would be your intention to expand the public comment," Deaton said, speaking at Bowling, "and I don't believe that we could do justice to the important agenda items that we have if that's left unrang."
A special board meeting will be held on Jan. 3 at 5:30 p.m. at the central office, to consider retaining Farris as counsel. The board will also consider issuing a proposal to fill the job.
The next regularly scheduled meeting is Jan. 16 at the Nelson County High School.
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