The head of Mount Clemens Community Schools is scheduled to return today from a month-long paid, non-disciplinary administrative leave.
Monique Beels had been placed on leave while an investigation was completed to determine if any of the school board policies were violated in regard to a twerking incident that resulted in negative publicity for the district.
Last week, the Board of Education issued a statement expressing its support for Beels.
“During the past two school years, Superintendent Beels has exhibited collaborative leadership, and moral character during challenging times,” the statement read.
“The Board wishes to express its full and unequivocal support in her leadership and guidance and is looking forward to continuously working collaboratively with Superintendent Beels during the 2022-2023 school year”
At issue was a raunchy dance routine performed in October by a rap artist who was accompanied by a woman in a G-string and sports bra who twerked on the gym floor making sexually provocative moves.
The performance was one of about 20 entertainers at a private function that took place in the Mount Clemens High School gym. School administrators rented the gym to Rivals Recruiting Worldwide for what the organization had claimed was a charity event.
A video of the event quickly went viral, drawing negative reactions from parents and taxpayers. It also gained the attention of Governor Gretchen Whitmer’s office and was mentioned on at least one national TV news talk show.
The school board appointed Bingham Farms-based Recon Management Group to investigate whether Beels violated board policies relating the gym incident. The move resulted in Beels being banned from Mount Clemens school buildings, and all of her authorized responsibilities and duties as the chief administrators are on hold.
“The Board needed to protect the integrity of the district, as well as the superintendent, and ensure a fair and impartial investigation,” the school board said in its statement.
A number of parents complained to the school board about the incident, with some even insisting a firing should come from it.
On Nov. 3, the board hired Recon to “review and investigate” a complaint filed against the superintendent concerning potential board policy. The statement did not indicate who filed the complaint.
In recent weeks, Recon interviewed nine individuals and reviewed board policies to determine whether Beels violated any board policies or legal standards and found she had not.
As a result, the statement said, board members are happy to welcome Beels back to her position.
“We wish to stress that throughout this investigation, the Board has been fully supportive of Superintendent Beels and look forward to having her back,” the statement read.
In Beels’ absence, the board appointed former Fitzgerald Public Schools Superintendent Barbara VanSweden as acting superintendent.
School officials are already taking steps to make sure a similar incident doesn’t happen again. From now on, officials will now require advance review of flyers for upcoming events at school facilities.
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