Over the past couple months, there have been signs posted all around the cities of De Soto and Shawnee that read “USD 232 can do better!” and “Yes!” These signs are referring to the recall vote that occurred on Aug. 18.

“The recall vote is a legal process to remove an elected official. The specific details of a recall depend on the level of the elected official’s office, such as local, state or national,” said recall vote co-organizer Anh Nguyen.

Nguyen knew exactly what she wanted to come out of the vote: “to remove a school board member, Mr. Scott Hancock.”

The recall vote emerged after the resignation of several district staff members, including former Superintendant Dr. Doug Sumner.

“I personally experienced Scott’s bullying tactics when I served on the Boundary Committee. He was rude, ill informed and dismissive of the entire process and everyone involved,” said recall co-organizer Julianne Wright. “I volunteer at the schools and heard many staff members complain about his behavior and realized I was not the only one that [noticed this]. Earlier this year, I heard about so many of our administrators leaving and then learned why … I realized I needed to step up and help get him removed. Luckily Ahn and Karen [Wall] had laid the groundwork to start the recall, and I was able to join the fight.”

In April 2015, Hancock denied ever attempting to bully these staff members away from USD 232.

“Dr. Sumner is a professional. He’s extremely intellignet. He’s extremely capable. If you want to know why Dr. Sumner is leaving, you need to ask Dr. Sumner. I’ve never asked him to leave, I’ve never suggested he leave. I’ve always had a good relationship with him, and I wish him the best,” Hancock said in an exclusive interview with The Green Pride in April 2015.

However, many parents and staff throughout USD 232 believe the district needed the vote.

“I feel the vote is necessary. We need to remove Scott and his harassment and bullying of the Administrators and staff. He was asked to resign and refused, so the vote is a necessary process to remove him,” Wright said.

On Aug. 18, it was ruled in an 89 percent-11 percent vote that Hancock would be recalled from the Board of Education.

“The voters of De Soto Unified School District recalled a member of the Board of Education according to the unofficial, final election,” said director of administrative services Alvie Cater in an email sent out shortly after the vote concluded. “The Board, in the coming days and weeks, will outline a process to appoint an individual to fill the vacant position and serve the unexpired term, according to the requirements of the State of Kansas.”

After her success with the vote, Nguyen feels proud to be apart of USD 232.

“USD 232 is an amazing district with superb teachers and wonderful families. I would like our district to receive the support they deserve at every level,” Nguyen said.

The recall organizers hope the vote will help USD 232 “once again focus on the needs of the district and its students,” Wright said. “By showing that the patrons support the school district, I am sure that this positive environment will entice a wonderful new superintendent. With great leadership and amazing staff, our district will continue to grow and be great for our children.”