Washoe County School Board Trustee Scott Kelley is stepping down after allegations made against him earlier this week.

The school board asked for Kelley's resignation Wednesday night saying it was in the best interest of the school district.

This all stems from reported allegations against Kelley made by his wife in court-filed divorce documents.

The board president said in a statement about Kelley's alleged behavior, "I find it worrisome and inappropriate for someone entrusted with decisions that impact the well-being of the students and staff." 

Kelley filed for that divorce in June of this year.

He has not been charged with a crime and in a statement Thursday claimed that he was not given due process.

He added in part "resigning ensures that the final months of my divorce don't distract the amazing staff at Washoe County School District, who are working so hard to ensure school reopening is safe and successful." 

We reached out to the board as well as the school district to find out why Kelley was asked to resign without a charge or conviction.

Officials told us that they have no further information to share at this time.

Kelley says he will stay on the ballot for this same position which is voted on this November.

This is Kelley's full statement to the media: 

After personal reflection and with a heavy heart, I am resigning from my second term on the Washoe County School Board.

The decision by ThisIsReno to publicize my divorce and compromise my family’s privacy makes resignation the best resolution under the circumstances. The current political climate makes it impossible for me to be viewed as innocent until proven guilty.

Unfortunately, there are no due process rights afforded to any individual under these circumstances.

Resigning ensures that the final months of my divorce don't distract the amazing staff at Washoe County School District, who are working so hard to ensure school reopening is safe and successful.

I like to joke that my years as a U.S. Army paratrooper and war veteran prepared me for the rigors of School Board. It’s a thankless job, but one that I love.

My name will remain on the ballot in November and I’m hopeful my constituents in District A will consider the facts and circumstances surrounding disclosure of the false and inflammatory allegations when casting their vote.

Thank you, Scott Kelley

 

On Wednesday, School Board President Malena Raymond released this statement: 

Following recent revelations regarding Trustee Scott Kelley’s personal life, late this afternoon Vice President Dr. Angela Taylor and I met with Trustee Kelley. In that meeting, we asked Trustee Kelley to resign from the Washoe County School District Board of Trustees.

Following conversations with the other Trustees individually, it became clear to me that in the best interests of the Washoe County School District, Trustee Kelley should immediately resign. I want to make it clear that I did not poll the Board of Trustees nor did I take an informal vote. This is not a decision I take lightly. However, his actions clearly lack integrity and call into question his trustworthiness. In my professional experience working for a domestic violence organization, I find some of his behaviors worrisome and inappropriate for someone entrusted with decisions that impact the well-being of the students and staff of the Washoe County School District.

If Trustee Kelley chooses not to resign before 8 a.m. on Thursday, August 27, I will call for a Special Meeting of the Board of Trustees on Thursday, September 3 at 4 p.m. to discuss next steps.

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