A San Diego-area school district has fired its superintendent for harassing high school softball players who didn’t give a big round of applause for his daughter at an awards ceremony.
What are the details?
The Poway Unified School District voted unanimously Tuesday to fire Superintendent Marian Kim Phelps. KNSD TV reported.
The department said an independent investigation was launched last year. Parents and students accuse Phelps of harassing members A member of the Del Norte High School softball team.
According to students, KNSD Phelps contacted the players late at night after the awards ceremony and threatened them with losing their senior graduation privileges unless they apologized for not clapping for his daughter. The department said the allegations first surfaced at a Poway board meeting, but parents alerted the district months ago.
Image source: KNBC-TV video screenshot
Additionally, Del Norte High School softball players filed a lawsuit against Phelps and the district. KNSD said it is alleging alleged bullying, emotional distress, violation of free speech and harassment.
Details from the station:
The lawsuit alleges that Phelps orchestrated an internal investigation into the plaintiff, who accused him of bullying his daughter — two players who were both pitchers and competing for playing time. According to the complaint, the plaintiff believes her investigation was aimed at preventing her from throwing or playing softball altogether. Jane Doe was ultimately banned from all extracurricular activities for the 2023-2024 school year, including sports, school-sponsored social events, and graduation ceremonies.
Phelps has denied all allegations, KNSD reported, noting that she issued the following statement early in the process: Never. I have never spoken to a student about the threat of not graduating. All of these accusations are completely false and fabricated. ”
Attorney Justin Redden, who represents the Del Norte High School softball players and their families who filed the lawsuit last November, told the department that students deserve the experience his client endured. He said it was not.
“I think the district needs to be dismantled and rebuilt at the administrative level,” Redden added to KNSD.
Parent Melinda Huntoon told the station: “With the knowledge they had, it shouldn’t have taken a year. There was so much evidence from the beginning that this person should not have been in a position of power.” There was,” he said.
“Based on her conduct that was revealed to the school board through the investigation, the school board does not recommend that Dr. Phelps continue her education,” KNSD reported. I have lost all faith and confidence in his abilities.” In addition to her role as director, Poway Unified’s governance also contributes to her ability to continue to work with the board as part of her team. ”
O’Connor-Ratcliffe also said, “The investigation uncovered previously unknown evidence from witnesses with first-hand knowledge that contradicts Dr. Phelps’ statements and claims to the board, district staff, and the general public.” ”The station also reported.
A district spokesperson told KNSD that Tuesday will be Phelps’ last day, but added that she will not be paid the balance of her contract because she was terminated for “just cause.”
The department said that although the district no longer employs Ms. Phelps, she is still the parent of a student in the district and there are no restrictions on her parental activities.
KNSD said it reached out to Phelps for comment but did not receive a response.
The department announced that Greg Mizell will continue to serve as interim director during the transition period.
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