STANLY COUNTY, N.C. — In a 9 Investigation, Eyewitness News has confirmed the state board of education is reviewing actions by the Stanly County Schools Superintendent Bill Josey.
It comes after Channel 9 reported two weeks ago that Josey was in a relationship with now-former teaching assistant Jessica Holt, who was running for a seat on the school board. He sent her a nude picture while he was at a work-related conference.
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"I think it's disgusting," Albemarle resident Felicia Dennis said.
Since she reported on racy text message conversations between Josey and Holt, Eyewitness News anchor Liz Foster filed a records request with the district and received copies of hundreds of emails between school board members.
At least three members said they wanted to meet as soon as possible behind closed doors to talk about Josey's relationship.
"I have concerns," board member Glenda Gibson wrote.
The school board chairman is the only one who can call for a special meeting, and he did not.
"Due to the close proximity to our regular board meeting, plan on discussing this subject during our next closed session." board Chair Melvin Poole wrote in a reply to all school board members.
Dennis believes the board should have made the issue a priority.
"It's something that needs to be taken seriously,” Dennis told Channel 9. “I really think it's very, very inappropriate and it gives Stanly County school system a bad name."
Email records also show school board member Sherry Vaughn asked the district's finance office for Josey's expense reports from conferences he attended in the last year.
"Due to what has come to light, I feel remiss in not doing so," she said.
While he was on a trip for a conference, Josey texted a nude picture to Holt. Some told Channel 9 they want Josey to face consequences for inappropriate behavior as superintendent, but others think the controversy is blown out of proportion.
"I believe it's his personal life and it shouldn't really interfere with his professional life, his career," resident Mark Sego said.
Channel 9 reported two weeks ago that the majority of the board decided not to ask the state to investigate any possible ethical violations. Foster asked a spokesperson with the state what prompted the ongoing review, but has not received an answer.