Syracuse School Board Moves to Remove Commissioner Twiggy Billue After Controversy

The Syracuse City School District Board of Education has initiated proceedings to remove long-time board commissioner Cherylene “Twiggy” Billue from her elected seat, a rare action that has drawn intense public scrutiny and raised questions about governance and accountability in the district.

Twiggy Billue

At a special board meeting held on Dec. 26, 2025, members voted unanimously on a resolution declaring “probable cause” to pursue Billue’s removal, setting in motion the next step: drafting formal charges and scheduling a public removal hearing. Billue was not present for the meeting.

Under state law and district policy, the board has authority to remove a member for neglect of duty, violations of law, or breach of school rules. The resolution directs the preparation of written charges against Billue and confirms that a hearing will be held in early 2026.

Board President Tamica Barnett stressed to reporters that the removal effort is focused on Billue’s conduct as a commissioner — not on a separate lawsuit involving her son, Mered Billue, who works as a dean of students in the district. That lawsuit, filed in Onondaga County Supreme Court, accuses Mered Billue of sexually harassing a female school security guard; the board has said details pertaining to the commissioner’s case will be discussed at the hearing.

Barnett declined to provide additional specifics about the misconduct alleged in the resolution, citing legal counsel, but confirmed that a public removal hearing is expected in mid-January at Nottingham High School.

Billue, a well-known figure in Syracuse civic life and a school board member since 2021, had just won re-election in November for a new four-year term. However, the board canceled the planned swearing-in ceremony amid the controversy, and Billue has yet to be officially sworn in.

According to New York state education law, a board member must be sworn in within 30 days of the term start date to retain voting rights and official duties; failing to be sworn in could result in loss of the seat.

Billue did not respond to multiple requests for comment in the days following the board vote.

The board’s decision has elicited mixed responses from community members, with some calling for transparency and accountability, and others questioning the timing and motivations behind the removal effort. The January hearing is expected to draw significant public and media attention as the district navigates this unprecedented situation.

District officials have indicated that details of the charges will be released publicly at the hearing, offering the first comprehensive look at the allegations that prompted the rare move to oust an elected school official.