When I first read the allegations outlined in the civil lawsuit filed by Natasha Bullard Kaonohi, Director and Ombudsperson of District 11's Equal Opportunity Programs Office, I was deeply concerned. The allegations could have serious implications for employees who have trusted District 11's Ombudservices with sensitive and confidential information.

The lawsuit contains serious allegations involving Superintendent Michael Gaal and Deputy Superintendent Dr. Brandon Comfort. Among other things, it alleges that confidential Ombudservice files containing sensitive employee information and attorney work product were removed from a locked office, that Dr. Comfort entered the office outside normal business hours, and that Superintendent Gaal directed his actions. The complaint also alleges concerns involving employees who had raised issues about Superintendent Gaal and feared retaliation.

These are allegations, not established facts. Superintendent Gaal and Dr. Comfort deserve due process and the opportunity to respond. But due process does not require the Board to ignore serious allegations while litigation proceeds.

I am calling on the Colorado Springs School District 11 Board of Education to place Superintendent Gaal and Dr. Comfort on administrative leave while an independent outside investigation is conducted. Administrative leave is not a finding of guilt or a punishment. It can help protect the integrity and independence of an investigation while allowing the facts to be examined without actual or perceived interference.

The investigation should not be conducted internally by District 11. An outside investigator or appropriate independent agency with no reporting relationship to the Superintendent, Deputy Superintendent, or District administration should be given access to relevant records, communications, building-access information, available security footage, documents, and witness testimony. Appropriate steps should also be taken to preserve potentially relevant evidence and protect employees who cooperate with the investigation from retaliation.

This is bigger than any one individual. Employees must be able to trust that sensitive information provided through Ombudservices will be protected. Those accused of wrongdoing deserve a fair process that does not presume guilt. Students, families, employees, and taxpayers deserve confidence that allegations involving the District's highest levels of leadership will be examined independently and transparently.

Administrative leave is not guilt. An independent investigation is not punishment. Due process and accountability can—and should—exist together.

Please sign this petition to call on the District 11 Board of Education to place Superintendent Michael Gaal and Deputy Superintendent Dr. Brandon Comfort on administrative leave and authorize an independent outside investigation so the facts can be determined through a fair and credible process.

In addition to signing this petition, please consider contacting the District 11 Board of Education directly to share your own thoughts and concerns at BOE@d11.org.