The community surrounding the Wayne Central School District learned the details of the case against two embattled school board members that could cost both their positions on the board.

An attorney for the district called Steve Gallaher "obsessed" with a closed elementary school and accused Gallaher of four counts official misconduct linked to a September incident at Freewill Elementary in Walworth.

The details were revealed at a hearing at the Wayne High School auditorium in Ontario Monday. 

Gallaher is accused of trespassing on school property, inappropriate and unauthorized access, inquiry and involvement in a law enforcement inquiry. All of the counts are related to Gallaher's involvement in a security incident at Freewill last September.

State Police and Wayne County Sheriff's deputies responded to a security alarm at the school September 6. When they arrived, they found Gallaher and fellow school board member Dennis Landry.

Gallaher's attorney said his client discovered one of the front doors of the closed schools open and, with Landry, entered the school to learn more about the building's status. 

The district, in leveling its charges, said neither board member had the authority to investigate the building's security status, enter it to investigate, inquire about its status or to join police in reviewing the condition of the building. 

Gallaher's attorney said both board members were concerned about a district asset and that Gallaher discovered the open door while walking his dog. 

While district counsel presented surveillance video that showed the two board members entering the building and the school's front door closing, Gallaher's attorney raised questions about whether the front doors were locked at the time the security alarm alerted police.

Gallaher had been an ardent supporter of keeping Freewill Elementary open. Wayne Central shuttered the building two school years ago in a consolidation response to declining enrollment.

Gallaher's attorney says the district was obsessed with removing Gallaher from the school board.

Dozens of supporters turned out Monday to witness the hearing. Some teachers dressed in black as show of support of Gallaher and Landry, and called the charges a witch hunt.

"It doesn't sound like anything was malicious to me at all," Abbie Schmitt of Walworth said. "They were checking on the school, making sure it's taken care of. We haven't gotten an answer as to why the door was unlocked. We still haven't gotten an answer as to why the door was unlocked."

Alen Siegel of Ontario attended the hearing to learn more about why the school board voted 7-2 to remove the two men.

"It's not being clear whether it's being a criminal charge or whatever," Seigel said. "The bottom line is that I'm still undecided to be honest with you."

Landry is due to take part in a similar hearing May 7.

Rochester attorney Lou Kash, assigned to hear the cases against the two Wayne Central board members, will offer a recommendation in June.