Schools

School Board Will Vote on Ethics Hearing For Kelly Marlow

The Cherokee County School Board will vote on whether it should hold an ethics hearing for controversial member Kelly Marlow.

The Cherokee County School Board could move forward with determining whether one of its members violated its policies. 

The board during its called meeting on Wednesday will consider moving forward with scheduling an ethics hearing against District 1 School Board Member Kelly Marlow. The meeting will begin at 7 p.m. at the Cherokee High School auditorium in Canton.

The board usually has its meetings at the historic Canton High School/School Board Auditorium. However, a large number of people are expected to crowd into the high school to view the proceedings.

Board Chair Janet Read will bring forth the agenda item, which is in response to Marlow asking AdvancED to investigate both the board and the Cherokee County School District. 

Specifically, Marlow is accused of not adhering to the school district's governing structure and ignoring guidelines outlining how she should conduct herself as a board member

Read is also asking Cherokee County School Board Attorney Tom Roach to utilize a court reporter to record the proceedings. 

School Board policy states that if a motion passes by a two-thirds vote passes, it can move forward with holding a hearing to consider the charges. If the motion is approved, Marlow will be given a 30-day notice before the hearing. 

If she's found in violation of the board's ethics policy by a two-thirds vote, the board can then move forward to determine appropriate sanctions. 

Marlow, along with partner Robert Trim and resident Barbara Knowles, were all arrested and charged in relation to Knowles accusing Superintendent of Schools Dr. Frank Petruzielo of trying to run her over with his vehicle as he was leaving the June 13 board meeting. 

Knowles was charged with making a false report of a crime and making false statements while both Trim and Marlow were charged with making false statements. 

Marlow has also been accused of ignoring established chains of command by directly contacting teachers and employees with the Cherokee County School District. 


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