By Liz Shepherd
InkFreeNews

Allan Kauffman (Photo from Goshen Community Schools’ website.)

GOSHEN — Amidst a pending criminal case, Allan Kauffman has resigned as a Goshen Community Schools board member, citing health issues as the reason for his departure.

During a Feb. 26 GCS board meeting, Board President Roger Nafziger read a letter from Kauffman regarding the resignation.

“I am submitting my resignation as representative of the school board, effective immediately,” read the letter. “I am experiencing health issues which prevent me from carrying out the work of representing my district. I remain a faithful supporter of public schools and wish the board the best as you continue to provide quality education for all students.”

The board accepted the resignation and said the board has 30 days to appoint an individual to fill Kauffman’s seat. Kauffman represented District 4, which is the southwest portion of Elkhart Township.

Kauffman, Nafziger, Andrea M. Johnson, Mario Garber, and Jose Elizalde are all facing criminal charges for allegedly violating campaign finance laws during the November 2022 general election. All of the aforementioned individuals but Johnson and Kauffman are current school board members. Johnson ran for a school board seat, but was not elected.

Kauffman’s defense attorney in his case, Peter A. Britton, filed a motion to vacate Kauffman’s arrest warrant due to the health issues. According to court documents, before the case’s filing, Kauffman was experiencing health issues that necessitated in-patient medical treatment. As of Feb. 23, Kauffman had been hospitalized for about two weeks.

“(Kauffman’s) delay in surrendering himself to the court is not out of disdain for the court’s authority or to avoid the jurisdiction of the court, but one of necessity due to his ongoing health condition and hospitalization,” read the motion.

Britton requested the court issue a summons to Kauffman and set the matter for an initial hearing.

The court granted Britton’s motion, recalling Kauffman’s warrant. Kauffman has an initial hearing at 9 a.m. March 20, in Elkhart Superior Court Three.

During the public comment section of the school board meeting, Deb Zentz Robeck, a Goshen High School graduate, addressed the board. She expressed her disappointment in the board members’ actions.

“I am very disgusted, dismayed, disappointed…and embarrassed about all that has transpired with the school board fiasco and debacle, and those who were involved and what they’ve stooped to,” said Zentz Robeck. “I had higher expectations of our board…it’s an all-time low for those involved. Unethical and illegal activity is no way to show our students in our community how we conduct ourselves.”

Jennifer Alberson, another resident who spoke during the public comment section, described the board members’ actions as “disappointing.”

“Even if we are to give you the benefit of the doubt…we are still left to wonder what other significant details you are overlooking as you carry out the requirement of your offices,” said Alberson.

When asked if there would be any further resignations from the board, Goshen Community Schools’ Board of Trustees Vice-President Bradd Weddell said he didn’t have an answer.

Related Articles

• Goshen School Board Member Turns Himself In For Allegedly Violating Campaign Finance Laws
• Several Goshen School Board Members Facing Criminal Charges For Allegedly Violating Campaign Finance Laws