Ohio Gov. Pardons Mom Kelley Williams-Bolar In School District Switching Case

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by BMWK Staff | on September 7th, 2011 | 11 comments

Just yesterday we gave you an update on Ohio mom Kelley Williams-Bolar who was jailed after falsifying documents so her children could attend a better school district. We’ve been covering this story on BMWK since back in January. Our last update shared that she had just been denied a pardon from the Ohio Parole Board. Well now she’s been given a second chance by Ohio Governor John Kasich who today approved gubernatorial clemency for Williams-Bolar, and in turn reduced the felony conviction charges to first-degree misdemeanor.

From Columbus Dispatch:

In a statement, Kasich said, “When I first heard about this situation, it seemed to me that the penalty was excessive for the offense. In addition, the penalty could exclude her from certain economic opportunities for the rest of her life. So, today I’ve reduced those felony convictions to what I think are the more appropriate, first degree misdemeanors. No one should interpret this as a pass—it’s a second chance,” said Kasich.

The commutation has strings attached: Wiliams-Bolar must report to the Adult Probation Department, pay a $20-per-month fee, and abide by the department’s regulations; refrain from “ offensive conduct of every nature and obey all laws”; serve 10 days in the Summit County Jail, with credit for one day served; complete 80 hours community service; do a mentorship program with the NAACP or her church; maintain permanent full-time employment and/or attend school; not consume illegal drugs or alcohol; submit to “random and frequent urinalysis testing,” and pay the cost of prosecution.

If you follow the links to the previous stories you’ll see this has been a hot topic here on the site since the start. Did the Ohio Governor do the right thing? Was the penalty just too harsh in this case? What do you think should have been done?

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Comments (11)

JC Wednesday - 07 / 09 / 2011 Reply

I think this case is so sad. If the mother were white would she have been jailed !! You are better off home schooling if at all possible !
- Melindaduncan60 Thursday - 08 / 09 / 2011 Reply
  
  i agree with you all the way
- Praisehimbgs Saturday - 10 / 09 / 2011 Reply
  
  I agree and I ended up homeschooling all 3 of my girls. The children were running the teachers and the schools at the time in our area, and I got tired of spending all my extra time at school.
Lisa Wednesday - 07 / 09 / 2011 Reply

Im so glad they reconsidered her case. The punishment really did not fit the crime and the Ohio Governor showed himself to be a reasonabe and understanding person. I don't think any reasonable person expected her to get a pass for commiting a crime but the punishment should at least fit the crime. In this case the family can definitely benefit from having her at home to raise her children.
lis Wednesday - 07 / 09 / 2011 Reply

ok here's the thing, i think this is great, but i originally was on her side until i saw that she was indicted for welfare fraud too. I mean i think the punishment was harsh given her situation and two kids but i think her behavior wasn't necessarily like oh im desparate i'll do anything for my kids..i think they didnt report it all. still the punishment didnt fit the crime, she wasnt stealing money, she was tryin to get out of her situation, which is understandable but you cant do that, the issue is the school system period, why did she feel her schools and neighbor was inadaquate, thats the crime
- Brheam Wednesday - 07 / 09 / 2011 Reply
  
  To the question, "Why did she feel her schools weren't good enough". Depending on where you live, some of the teachers refuse to teach in a poor or rough neighborhood, even though they get paid a bonus for teaching in these areas. So, yes some schools are inadequate, and I can understand her wanting her kids to get the best education that tax dollars can buy.
Patrick Scientific Wednesday - 07 / 09 / 2011 Reply

I'm glad the Governor stepped in but I wonder why it got so far. What if the Governor felt that it was not his place to step in...then what. JC: I agree with you Lisa: I agree with you also lis: You bring up the best point...why did she think she had to have her kids in another school.
Roger Madison Thursday - 08 / 09 / 2011 Reply

This outcome is certainly better than being convicted of a felony. This case just points out the vicious cycle that people of poverty can get trapped in, and how difficult it is to get out of that trap. She and her family still need the prayers and support of her loved ones, church and community. A second chance is better than no chance.
Rashida Saturday - 10 / 09 / 2011 Reply

I think it is a disgrace how the system has failed her. The punishment, even after the pardon does not fit the crime. I feel it is another attempt to make an example out of one of us and challenge anyone of us to do what it takes to seek better education for our children! It's just another way the system tries to keep us down by forcing our childen to attend schools with poor ratings just because they are local. I applaud her for trying to give her children the same opportunities as any other child. Our children deserve the best!!!
Rashida Saturday - 10 / 09 / 2011 Reply

I think it is a disgrace how the system has failed her. The punishment, even after the pardon does not fit the crime. I feel it is another attempt to make an example out of one of us and challenge anyone of us to do what it takes to seek better education for our children! It's just another way the system tries to keep us down by forcing our childen to attend schools with poor ratings just because they are local. I applaud her for trying to give her children the same opportunities as any other child. Our children deserve the best!!!
Wallace4420 Friday - 23 / 09 / 2011 Reply

Gov. overreached. Judge and Parole Board had the facts and he ignored them. Probably entirely a political move