Third Strike for Comstock Trustee as Board Escalates Restrictions
*COMSTOCK, Mich.* — The Comstock Public Schools Board of Education has issued its third censure of Trustee Dr. Richard Hathaway following a closed session in which board members discussed concerns about his conduct.
On March 9, a 5-1 vote removed Hathaway from nearly all committees, barring him from leadership roles, and reissuing a no-trespass order that will prevent him from accessing school property unless he is participating in official board activities.
Documents Reveal Years-Long Pattern of Restrictions
Newly obtained documents spanning nearly six years outline a pattern of repeated warnings, restrictions, and alleged violations involving Hathaway, culminating in the board's recent third censure.
The records, provided by Superintendent Jeffrey Thoenes, detail ongoing concerns about Hathaway's interactions with district staff, communication practices, and physical presence on school property dating back to 2020.
While the volume of documentation offers the most comprehensive look yet at the situation, key questions remain unanswered. Without direct, one-on-one responses from either Hathaway or Board President Pamela Dickinson, it is difficult to fully determine whether the escalating conflict reflects a persistent breakdown in protocol, a series of misunderstandings, or an increasingly adversarial dynamic between a board member and district leadership.
Concerns Begin in 2020
According to district records, concerns about Hathaway's conduct began on March 2, 2020, when Thoenes first restricted Hathaway's access to school property, citing unannounced visits that were described as disruptive to students and staff.
Over the next several years, the superintendent repeatedly reiterated those restrictions. In August and September 2022, Thoenes accused Hathaway of violating communication protocols and contacting staff outside the established chain of command.
By December 2022, after Hathaway had been re-elected to the board, the restrictions remained in place, limiting his access to school buildings during the day without prior approval.
Escalation in 2023
In 2023, the conflict appeared to escalate further. Thoenes documented additional instances where Hathaway allegedly bypassed district leadership to contact staff directly.
One particularly troubling incident involved Hathaway allegedly confronting a teacher in the hallway regarding a scheduling issue without first consulting with administration.
The superintendent stated that such actions undermine the administrative chain of command and create unnecessary tension between staff and the board.
March 2026: Third Censure
The latest escalation came on March 9, 2026, when the board voted 5-1 to:
- Censure Hathaway for the third time
- Remove him from all committees except those directly related to his duties as a board member
- Reissue a no-trespass order for school property
- Bar him from holding any leadership positions within the district
Board President Pamela Dickinson issued a statement explaining the board's decision:
"Hathaway has a propensity to get involved with the operations of the district, which is far below the board level. As board members, we are not experts on education. We are civil servants."
The board emphasized that their role is policy-making and oversight, not day-to-day management or personnel decisions.
Legal Challenges Loom
The no-trespass order has already drawn legal challenges. Hathaway's attorney has indicated that the trustee plans to appeal the order to the Michigan State Board of Education.
Under Michigan law, school boards have broad authority to maintain order and discipline on their property, but such restrictions can be appealed to the state education agency if the affected party believes their rights have been violated.
Board Seeks Stability
This conflict comes at a time when the Comstock Public Schools district is seeking stability and renewed focus on student outcomes.
The district has faced multiple controversies in recent years, including budget concerns, facility issues, and various personnel matters.
Superintendent Thoenes has maintained that the board's recent actions are necessary to restore order and ensure that district operations can proceed without the interference of a single board member.
Community Reaction Mixed
The censure has drawn mixed reactions from the community. Some parents and educators support the board's actions, viewing them as necessary to protect the district from what they describe as inappropriate board interference.
Others argue that the censure represents an unnecessary escalation and that the board has not fully explored all options for resolving the conflict.
"I think the board is doing the right thing by setting clear boundaries," said one local parent. "Board members should focus on policy, not getting involved in daily operations."
Conversely, some community members express concern about the board's heavy-handed approach and question whether there were other ways to address the issues.
What Comes Next
The next Comstock Public Schools board meeting will address several agenda items, including:
- Review of the no-trespass order and potential modifications
- Discussion of Hathaway's role in upcoming board activities
- Potential legal proceedings related to the appeal
- Other standard board business including budget review and facility updates
The district has stated that it will continue to operate normally regardless of the ongoing conflict, with full respect for the board's authority while maintaining clear boundaries regarding appropriate conduct.
