The Academy District 20 Board of Education meeting on January 9, 2025, was marked by intense public commentary regarding the conduct of board member Derek Wilburn. Several speakers, including students and parents, expressed their concerns about Wilburn's behavior during a student-led candidate forum in October 2023, where he read explicit material in front of young children.

Elizabeth Guthrie, a student, opened the public comments by sharing her traumatic experience at the previous meeting, where she felt unsafe due to Wilburn's presence. She criticized the board for failing to protect students from bullying, highlighting a perceived double standard in how students and board members are held accountable.

Connor Lesh, a freshman, detailed the inappropriate nature of Wilburn's comments during the forum, emphasizing the lasting impact it had on young attendees. He called for the explicit content to be censored from the district's YouTube channel, arguing that it undermined parental rights to shield their children from such material.

Safran Stevens, a senior, echoed these sentiments, stressing the importance of accountability and transparency in leadership. He condemned Wilburn's refusal to apologize for his actions and warned against the chilling effect of his ongoing defamation lawsuit against a parent who criticized him.

Other parents, including Donita and Bernadette Guthrie, shared personal stories of trauma experienced by their children due to Wilburn's actions. They called for his resignation, arguing that his behavior was unbecoming of a board member and detrimental to the district's reputation.

Jackie Lesh and Laura Furia also voiced their concerns, with Lesh highlighting the need for integrity among board members and Furia questioning the board's adherence to its own policies regarding member conduct.

The meeting concluded with a clear call from the community for the board to address these issues seriously, emphasizing the need for leaders who prioritize the well-being of students and uphold the values of trust and integrity. The ongoing situation raises significant questions about the standards expected of public officials and the importance of community engagement in school governance.