May 5, 2025
ROCHESTER, N.H. — The City of Rochester has opened formal ethics investigations into School Board Members Sandra Keans and Karen Stokes following the receipt of two separate complaints filed on April 25, 2025.
In accordance with City Code §7-83.B., a Sufficiency Review Panel—comprised of Mayor Paul Callaghan, Police Chief Gary Boudreau, and City Attorney Terence O'Rourke—reviewed the complaints and determined they met the necessary criteria for formal investigation.
The complaint against School Board Member Karen Stokes, filed by fellow board member Steven Cusumano, cites alleged violations of three provisions of the City Code:
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A.3 (Conduct of Members): Requiring members to maintain professional and personal conduct above reproach and avoid personal attacks.
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A.7 (Communication): Advising members to avoid harassment or demeaning public comments, especially on social media.
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B.1.b (Civility and Decorum): Prohibiting belligerent or abusive remarks during discussions and debates.
A separate complaint against School Board Member Sandra Keans, also filed by Cusumano, alleges a violation of Section A.10 (Confidential Information), which prohibits the unauthorized disclosure or personal use of confidential or privileged information.
Following the panel's determination, the City Manager will convene the Board of Ethics to conduct a formal investigation. An Ethics Investigation Officer (EIO) will be appointed to lead the inquiry and report findings to the Board.
The Board of Ethics includes Dan Fitzpatrick (appointed by the City Council), Sarah Harrington (appointed by the School Board), and John Larochelle (appointed by the Police Commission). The Board is scheduled to meet on Tuesday, May 6, 2025, at 4:15 p.m. in the Council Chambers Conference Room at City Hall, 31 Wakefield Street. The meeting will be open to the public.
Updates will be provided as the investigation proceeds.
Information for this article was provided by the City of Rochester.
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