Medford, OR — An independent investigation has confirmed allegations against Medford School District (MSD) Board member Michael Williams, claiming he made threats to district staff and violated district policies. The investigation, conducted by the Portland-based law firm Miller Nash, LLC, followed a formal complaint filed by MSD Director of Security Ron Havniear in August.
The findings were presented to the Medford School Board during a study session on Thursday night. After a summary of the investigation report was read by Board Chair Cynthia Wright, Williams, through his attorney, chose to leave the meeting, stating that he had been advised to do so during this portion of the discussion.
The investigation stemmed from a March 2024 incident, in which Havniear alleged that Williams made threatening comments toward him during a meeting regarding the reassignment of Officer Josh Doney, a former School Resource Officer (SRO) at South Medford High School. The investigation corroborated Havniear’s claims, concluding that Williams had violated district policy by threatening Havniear during the meeting. Williams allegedly said, “I am trauma-bonded with SRO Doney, and I want to make it very clear that if you come after Doney, I will die on that hill.”
The tension between Williams and the district deepened as the Medford Police Department (MPD) reassigned Officer Doney from his position as SRO. Doney had been involved in a personal incident in which he supported Williams’ family after Williams’ daughter was subjected to a racial epithet. This bond led Williams to advocate for Doney’s continued position at South Medford High, despite the reassignment.
The investigation found that Williams made similar threats in July 2024, repeating his warning to Havniear and later telling MSD Director of Communications Natalie Hurd, “I told Havniear don’t f— with Doney.” According to the report, Williams continued to spread false allegations about MSD’s handling of the situation, which he claimed involved security lapses at the high school.
In response to the investigation’s findings, Havniear expressed frustration with the damage caused by Williams’ public statements. “Most of this is professional, but unfortunately when you run to the media and put out mistruths, it impacts my family, my students, my kids, and my wife,” Havniear said. He described the fallout as a “smear campaign,” noting that threats and harassment against his family had escalated, including incidents where his wife was shot at with paintballs and trash was dumped in his driveway.
Williams’ conduct also sparked additional concerns. The investigation substantiated a second allegation from Havniear’s complaint, stating that Williams repeatedly sought to interfere in matters that were within the authority of Superintendent Bret Champion. Specifically, Williams challenged the decision to reassign Officer Doney and questioned the district’s security policies.
Superintendent Champion, who has also faced criticism from Williams, said he found the situation deeply troubling. “It makes me incredibly sad, both professionally and personally,” Champion remarked, highlighting the distraction the conflict caused from the district’s primary mission of focusing on student success and safety.
The Miller Nash report also addressed several public claims made by Williams, which it found to be inaccurate. These included misleading statements about the reasons behind Officer Doney’s reassignment and allegations of safety issues at South Medford High School, none of which were substantiated during the investigation.
Havniear called for Williams’ resignation from the school board, citing his unfitness to serve in the role. “I a hundred percent think Michael Williams should resign from the Board. He’s unfit as a public official to lead in this capacity,” Havniear stated.
While the investigation largely supported the actions of MSD leadership, including their collaboration with the Medford Police Department, the conflict has left the district reeling. Champion emphasized the importance of unity and focus on student well-being, urging the school board to work together to ensure the district’s goals are met.
“The goal here is to have a fortress of support so we can keep teaching and learning together,” Havniear added, underscoring the need for collaboration in addressing the broader community challenges affecting the schools.
As the investigation concludes, the Medford School District must now navigate the ongoing fallout and decide how to address the division created by Williams’ actions, all while maintaining its commitment to the safety and success of its students.