A former Oxford High School teacher facing a misdemeanor charge for failing to report her husband’s alleged sexual abuse of an Oxford teen has filed an appeal of the tenure charges against her.
Margaret Keely, a special education teacher, had been dismissed from OHS following an investigation into allegations of her role in the scandal revolving around her husband and convicted sex offender, William Keely.
Such an appeal of tenure charges is routine, said Keely’s Michigan Education Association representative, Bill Curtis.
‘The MEA has an automatic policy of appealing tenure dismissal,? said Curtis, the director of the North Oakland County Association of the MEA.
Curtis said he had been in contact with Keely and Oxford Schools and sent the information to the MEA legal department.
Oxford Superintendent Dr. William Skilling said they were expecting Keely to appeal the tenure charges, which were levied against her at a Sept. 22 school board meeting. ‘That’s what you have to do,? he explained. ‘If a teacher doesn’t appeal tenure charges, then the charges become effective and the teacher is dismissed.?
It could take anywhere from three to five months before Keely’s case is heard before an administrative law judge. If that judge rules against Keely, she’ll have the option of accepting or filing an appeal to the tenure commission.
Keely’s attorney, Richard Rosenberg, declined to comment on this matter since he is only serving in the criminal case. Keely could not be reached for comment.