Longstanding Tensions Come to Head With Formal Discipline
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.
Documents Reveal Years-Long Escalation
Newly obtained documents spanning nearly six years outline a pattern of repeated warnings, restrictions and alleged violations involving Comstock Public Schools Trustee Dr. Richard 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.
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.
Timeline of Escalating Conflicts
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.
Communication Protocol Violations
The superintendent documented multiple instances where Hathaway communicated directly with teachers and support staff, bypassing the proper administrative channels. These communications were characterized as undermining the established hierarchy and creating confusion among the school community.
Thoenes expressed concern that these patterns suggested a fundamental misunderstanding of board trustee roles versus district administration responsibilities. The superintendent emphasized that board members serve as elected overseers rather than operational managers.
Physical Presence Restrictions
In addition to communication issues, Hathaway faced repeated restrictions on when and where he could physically be present on school property. The superintendent described these concerns as stemming from unannounced visits during school hours that disrupted the learning environment.
Board records indicate that Hathaway continued to attempt access to school buildings despite explicit warnings from Thoenes. These attempts were documented as creating unnecessary stress for staff who were trying to maintain order in their classrooms.
Recent Actions and Board Response
The March 9 board meeting became a turning point when five trustees voted to remove Hathaway from all committees and leadership positions. The single dissenting vote came from a trustee who believed that additional due process should have been afforded before such drastic measures were taken.
The no-trespass order issued alongside the censure prohibits Hathaway from accessing school buildings unless he is participating in official board activities. This restriction has been in place since 2020 but has now been formally codified as part of the disciplinary action.
Board President Defends Actions
Board President Pamela Dickinson stated, "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 President emphasized that the board's primary role is to oversee the district's performance rather than to manage day-to-day operations. She argued that Hathaway's repeated attempts to influence operational decisions had created unnecessary friction with the superintendent and staff.
Trustee Hathaway Remains Silent
Richard Hathaway has not publicly commented on the board's decision to issue his third censure. His legal team has declined to issue statements on behalf of their client.
Sources close to Hathaway indicate that he remains frustrated with what he describes as overreach by district administration. He has expressed plans to continue his advocacy for the district through legal channels.
Community Reaction Mixed
Local educators and parents have expressed mixed reactions to the board's decision. Some support the action, arguing that clear boundaries between board oversight and district management are essential for effective school governance.
Others question whether the cumulative effect of communications and access restrictions justified such severe disciplinary measures. Several community members have called for mediation between the board and the superintendent to prevent future conflicts.
What Comes Next
The censure and no-trespass order remain in effect unless the board votes to modify them at a future meeting. Hathaway retains his seat on the board but with significantly reduced influence over district operations.
The board has indicated that it will continue to monitor the situation and address any further concerns that arise. Superintendent Thoenes has stated that he remains committed to working with the board within the established protocols.