Kelley Williams-Bolar, the Akron, Ohio mother of two who falsified documents to get her children in a better (and safer) school district, has been denied a pardon from the Ohio Parole Board. We’ve covered this story on BMWK back in January, and it seems almost ready to come to a final conclusion. Ohio Gov. John Kasich can still grant a pardon for Ms. Williams-Bolar, and several groups have been lobbying on her behalf.
Kelley Williams-Bolar, of Akron, served nine days in jail earlier this year for falsifying information on records that she used to send her daughters to a school outside the city. She said her conviction for felony records tampering threatens her efforts to earn her teacher’s license.
The board said Williams-Bolar could have solved her schooling situation legitimately and was dishonest before and after her conviction.
“Ms. Williams-Bolar was faced with a no more difficult situation than any other working parent who must ensure that their children are safe during, before and after school hours in their absence,” it said in its unanimous ruling. “Most parents find legitimate and legal options to address this issue. Ms. Williams-Bolar’s only response was to be deceitful.”
The board also rejected Williams-Bolar’s arguments that her conviction harmed her future plans, noting that she has hardly made the efforts necessary to obtain a degree to teach.
Williams-Bolar had told the parole board in July that she was remorseful for lying and would do things differently if given the chance.
“I love my kids and I would have done anything for my children,” an emotional Williams-Bolar told the board.
An attorney for Williams-Bolar said Friday he was disappointed but confident that Gov. John Kasich, who has the final say, will see things differently.
What do you think about the parole board’s decision, BMWK family?