During the School District of Washington Board of Education meeting held on April 15, 2026, a vote was cast by Mrs. Morgan Hagedorn regarding a personnel report that included a relative within the fourth degree of kinship. While Mrs. Hagedorn immediately and transparently notified the Board that the vote was inadvertent, the District was legally obligated to review the implications under the Missouri State Constitution.

Following a thorough review and consultation with the Missouri School Boards’ Association (MSBA) and the District’s legal counsel, it has been determined that Article VII, Section 6 of the Missouri Constitution provides a strict mandate regarding nepotism. The law states that any public official who votes for the appointment of a relative within the fourth degree - regardless of whether the vote was intentional or whether the vote was necessary for the motion to pass - immediately forfeits their office.

"This is a difficult day for our District," said Dr. Frank Wood, Board President. "Mrs. Hagedorn has been a dedicated advocate for our students and staff, and we were looking forward to her service to the Board. While we deeply regret the loss of Mrs. Hagedorn’s leadership on the Board, we must adhere to the legal standards set forth by the State of Missouri."

The District wishes to clarify that this forfeiture is a technical legal requirement and does not preclude Mrs. Hagedorn from seeking office in future elections. Per state law, Mrs. Hagedorn remains eligible to file for election during the December filing period for the April 2027 municipal election.

The Board of Education will begin the process of filling the vacancy in accordance with District Policy and Missouri Revised Statutes. Further details regarding the appointment process to fill the remainder of the current term will be provided at the next scheduled Board meeting.