Oshkosh School Board Members Cleared of Wrongdoing for Alias Facebook Accounts

OSHKOSH, WI- (WISS) – Two Oshkosh Area School District (OASD) Board members are cleared of wrongdoing for operating Facebook accounts under aliases and opposing the district’s upcoming referendum. 

A district parent requested the investigation into the Facebook profiles of “Mike Melter” and “Missy Green,” which were aliases for Board Members Tim Hess and Kelly DeWitt respectively. Both profiles were used to oppose the $197.8 million referendum to be decided on the April 1st ballot. The pages also were used to oppose the closing of Merrill Middle School. Both profiles have since been deleted.

OASD Response 

The investigation concluded that the profiles did not violate the district’s social media policy. The OASD released this statement:

“The Board recently investigated potential policy violations by two board members regarding social media accounts used to undermine the Board of Education, the District, and district staff. It was determined that insufficient evidence exists to find a violation of Board Policy.”

The full statement by the OASD can be read below:

Oshkosh School Board Members statements

Hess and DeWitt put out a joint statement following the release of the investigation results last week. 

“We believe the complaint filed by the citizen in question was nothing more than a partisan attempt to cause division among the Board and censure views and opinions with which the complainant disagrees. We are pleased that the Board’s investigation found the complaint to be without merit,” their statement said.

They went on to say their viewpoints and opinions are protected constitutionally.

The full statement released by DeWitt and Hess can be read below:

Following the release of Hess’ and DeWitt’s statement, OASD Board President Beth Wymann had this to say, “This matter has never been about limiting speech or partisan politics. It is, and always has been, about maintaining the fundamental integrity that our community expects and deserves from their elected officials. Our students, families, and staff deserve better than leadership that hides behind fake accounts while claiming to advocate for transparency.”

Investigation findings

To provide transparency the OASD Board released the findings of the investigation, which can be read below:

No further action will be taken against the board members. The OASD said no additional information or interviews will be given.