School Leaders Removed After Misconduct Probe

The Springfield Board of Education removed its chair and vice chair during a special meeting on November 3, following an investigation into complaints that the two overstepped their authority.

After nearly two hours in executive session, the board voted to remove Chair Jonathan Light and Vice Chair Ken Kohl from leadership. Light was also formally censured, though both remain on the board unless they resign or are recalled.

The action stemmed from four complaints filed in August by district administrators. Investigators found that Light and Kohl had contacted the Oregon Department of Education about district matters without approval, and that Light likely leaked confidential information.

Director Nicole De Graff said the investigation “substantiated or partially substantiated multiple complaints” against Light, calling the conduct “a breakdown of integrity and respect for the process.”

Light, a 20-year board veteran, defended his actions, saying he sought information to better serve the district.

The board elected Heather Quaas-Annsa as its new chair and Amber Langworthy as vice chair. It also required Kohl to complete additional board training.

De Graff said the censure was necessary to restore public trust: “This misconduct was public, and accountability must be public.”