The Board of Ethics will meet on Tuesday, July 1, 2025, at 5:00 p.m. in Council Chambers at City Hall, 31 Wakefield Street, to formally accept the findings of the ethics investigation concerning School Board Members Sandra Keans and Karen Stokes.

The meeting will be recorded and made available via video-on-demand.

The complaint against Stokes, filed by fellow Board Member Steven Cusumano, alleges violations of City Code Sections A.3., A.7., and B.1.b. The complaint against Keans, also filed by Cusumano, alleges a violation of City Code Section A.10.

City Manager Katie Ambrose appointed Assistant City Attorney Andrew Kroeckel as the Ethics Investigation Officer (EIO). Former Police Chief and current Compliance Officer Paul Toussaint supported the investigation.

The Board of Ethics, established by ordinance § 7-81, includes members appointed by the chairpersons of the City Council, School Board, and Police Commission. Members include Dan Fitzpatrick (City Council), Sarah Harrington (School Board), and John Larochelle (Police Commission).

Once the Board accepts the report, a public hearing will be scheduled. During the hearing, the EIO will present the findings, and the individuals named in each complaint will have an opportunity to respond. While the hearing will be open to the public, no public comment will be accepted.

Finally, the Board of Ethics will deliberate and determine whether a violation of the City’s Code of Ethics has occurred. If a violation is found, the Board will issue a formal finding and may recommend additional actions, including possible sanctions. Any findings and recommendations will be referred to the full School Board for further action.