Hamilton Southeastern (HSE) teachers and their supporters walked out of Wednesday night’s school board meeting after Board President Juanita Albright ruled that comments about ongoing teacher contract negotiations were not allowed.

Several teachers had planned to speak about the state of bargaining between the HSE School District and the Hamilton Southeastern Education Association (HSEA). However, Albright cited board policy, which limits public comments to topics listed on the meeting agenda. Because there was no specific agenda item related to collective bargaining, a speaker attempted to address the issue under the agenda item covering claims and payroll.

Albright determined that the item was not related to union negotiations and ruled the comment out of order. Following her decision, teachers and supporters—who filled the boardroom—stood and exited the meeting together.

At the conclusion of the meeting, some board members noted that their email accounts remain open to community members who wish to share feedback on any topic.

In other business, the board’s consent agenda—typically approved unanimously and covering routine items such as personnel reports, claims, and payroll—passed on a narrow 4–3 vote. Board members Latricia Schooley, Sarah Parks-Reese, and Suzanne Thomas voted no but did not explain their votes.

Within the personnel section of the consent agenda, the board approved the resignation of Riverside Intermediate School Principal Dana Kaminski, effective December 31. Tim Mankin was appointed as interim principal effective October 15.