A California school district superintendent has been fired after she allegedly threatened several students for not clapping her daughter, who was a member of her school’s softball team.
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The Poway Unified School District in California terminated Superintendent Marian Kim Phelps following a school board vote on Tuesday after an investigation prompted by complaints from Del Norte High School students. According to NBC News, the complaints reportedly stated that Phelps had threatened their graduation privileges due to an issue involving her daughter. The controversy began in November when Phelps was accused of reacting negatively at a softball awards banquet held last May. She contacted several students later that night, alleging that they did not applaud for her daughter during the event and told them that they either apologize or face the suspension of their graduation privileges.
Coach Tom Peronto revealed at the school board meeting that he had informed the board about her actions, which was described as an abuse of power. He alleged that after he reported the incident, Phelps retaliated by accusing him of verbally assaulting a board member, using this as grounds to dismiss him from his coaching position at the school.
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An investigation was conducted by the school board on November, which concluded on April 18 and several documents plus testimonies were reviewed from 41 witnesses. This led to the school board to find any discrepancies in Phelp’s narrative. Michelle O’Connor-Ratcliff, the school board president, stated that the investigation’s findings led to a unanimous decision to terminate Phelps’ contract. The board cited a loss of confidence in Phelps’ ability to lead and collaborate effectively within the school district’s governance framework.
There aren’t a lot of details regarding the investigation due to legal restrictions concerning student and staff privacy and Phelps did not release a statement concerning her termination. However, she has previously denied the claims and insisted that she never threatened any student regarding their graduation. Additionally, a lawsuit was filed in San Diego County last November on behalf of a student identified as Jane Doe.
The lawsuit claims that Phelps fabricated claims of bullying against her daughter and conducted a biased internal investigation. As a result, the student was barred from participating in extra curricular activities and senior events. It also alleges that Phelps’ actions were based on her perception of a rivalry between her daughter and other students.
