Despite his objections, the Gary School Board voted unanimously to boot its appointee Robert Buggs off the Gary Library Board Thursday and named communications specialist Crystal O’Brien to the role.
The board held a public hearing solely dedicated to the appointment before its regular meeting.
“This is a kangaroo court,” Buggs said as he asked why he was being dismissed. Buggs complained the school board didn’t share any complaints about him, but did say it received complaints.
Buggs tried to bring witnesses to speak on his behalf and seek discovery information but was told by school board attorney Shelice Tolbert the proceeding was not a trial.
“This is a public hearing to allow for an expression of views,” she said.
Board president Michael Suggs said Buggs’ dismissal followed state code allowing for the removal if there’s cause that a member interferes with the proper discharge of duties and if a member jeopardizes public confidence.
Suggs told Buggs the board can dismiss its appointees at any time if it feels there’s cause.
Buggs, who once headed the school board, vowed to fight the dismissal.
Library director Diana Morrow spoke on Buggs’ behalf, calling him an “excellent member.”
Linda Collins, a recent school board appointee to the library board, said she was ready to resign because of Buggs.
“Seeing him in action on the library board and executive meetings was totally embarrassing. He was argumentative and not conducive to an environment of professional folks. There’s valid reasons for his removal.”
At the school board’s regular meeting, it appointed O’Brien to Buggs’ seat.
She said she’s the mom of an elementary student at McCullough Academy and libraries were a personal passion.
“My daughter and I frequent the library, and it shows me the light that still exists,” she said. “It’s underutilized and could be so much more.”
Carole Carlson is a freelance reporter for the Post-Tribune.
