By PAMELA GOULD

The Spotsylvania County School Board last night voted to censure Lee Hill District Board Member Amanda Blalock, claiming that she engaged in "improper and unacceptable" conduct that violated board policies and regulations in the use of her School Board e-mail account.

Specifically the resolution says she "failed to report a known violation of School Board policy by school personnel with whom she had personal relationships which prevented the board from making a required investigation of such improper conduct."

It also states that she "engaged in improper personal relationships with School Board employees."

Finally, it claims she violated the code of ethics that requires her to avoid any conflict of interest or its appearance, to make no individual decisions that could compromise board administration, and to demonstrate appropriate behavior.

The vote was taken after four members of the board met in closed session for 70 minutes. Blalock refused to participate, claiming the session was improper on procedural grounds, among them that the item was added to the agenda yesterday morning.

Board members Donald Holmes and Ray Lora did not attend the meeting. Holmes was out of town on business.

The resolution does not state the consequences of the censure or how long it continues. Blalock said it strips her of her leadership position as vice chairwoman and from her participation on committees. She also said it was designed to deny her the chairmanship of the board, for which she was to be considered in January.

The censure vote came after a motion by board member Marty Wilder, which was seconded by Jim Gillespie. The motion passed by a 4-1 vote, with Blalock voting in opposition.

Board member Linda Wieland whispered her vote, and board Chair Gil Seaux announced the tally.

The closed session on Blalock was conducted without Superintendent Jerry Hill present, which was notable because Blalock accused Hill of "instigating" it.

He denied that in a conversation with The Free Lance-Star.

After the vote to censure her, the board granted Blalock's request to make a statement. She then read prepared remarks in which she accused Hill of orchestrating the board's action.