Controversy Surrounds Barrow County Board of Education: Member Faces Censure and Calls for Resignation
The Barrow County Board of Education (BOE) is currently embroiled in controversy after formally censuring one of its members, Beverly Kelley, who represents District 4. The censure stems from allegations that Kelley attempted to leverage her position as an elected official to influence a traffic stop involving her son. This action has led to a formal request for her resignation from the board.
Allegations of Misconduct and the Board's Response
The central issue revolves around a traffic stop that occurred on December 7 in Auburn. According to the Barrow County Board of Education, Beverly Kelley intervened during the traffic stop and identified herself to the officer as an elected official. The board further alleges that Kelley referenced her board position multiple times during a meeting on January 21 with Auburn Police Chief Chris Hodge and a city solicitor. It is also alleged that she prominently displayed her district identification during the discussion.
The most serious accusation is that Kelley claimed the traffic citation was an act of retaliation. The board says Kelley suggested the officer targeted her son because the officer’s own child had been physically injured during the September 4 mass shooting at Apalachee High School. The board strongly condemned this, stating Kelley "vilified a shooting victim for personal gain."
In response to these allegations, the Barrow County Board of Education voted unanimously to censure Kelley. The board described Kelley’s actions as "embarrassing" and "unbecoming" of an elected official. Following the vote, the board sent a letter to Kelley requesting her resignation, stating, "This action and letter are to provide a united voice through which we make clear that we have lost confidence in your ability to appropriately represent the Board and request you resign from your position."
Kelley's Defense and Concerns Regarding Transparency
Beverly Kelley has responded to the allegations, stating that she does not intend to resign and is seeking legal counsel to "clear her name." While she acknowledges telling the officer she was an elected official, she maintains her son was the victim of an unfair citation.
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Kelley argues that her son made a complete stop at the intersection in question but was forced to pull forward to see past a brick wall that obstructed his view. She also raised concerns regarding transparency within the Auburn Police Department. Kelley alleges that despite her son's request to review dashcam footage, officials claimed no recording existed. She disputes this claim, noting that city council members have confirmed patrol vehicles are equipped with cameras.
Broader Context of the Barrow County School System
The controversy surrounding Kelley and the Barrow County Board of Education occurs within the broader context of the Barrow County School System (BCSS), a school district in Barrow County, Georgia. The mission of the Barrow County School System is to ensure an exceptional education that leads each student to become a high-achieving and responsible citizen.
The Barrow County School System operates 17 schools. As of the 2023-2024 school year, the system employed 1,132.30 full-time classroom teachers.
The Georgia Department of Education has recognized five Barrow County School System schools for exceptional growth in literacy and/or mathematics during the 2024-2025 school year. Bramlett Elementary School was one of ten schools in the state selected as a "School Bell Award" winner for its Eagle Ambassador Program.
Nicole Valles, Director of Communications and Engagement for the Barrow County School System, received the 2025 Marie Wofford Professional Award - School Communicator of the Year from the Georgia School Public Relations Association (GSPRA).
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