Write-in vote puts disgraced former superintendent on Bennington (Vt.) school board

Newly elected Bennington (Vt.) School District Board member and former Superintendent George Sleeman is facing pointed objections to his presence on the panel. Sleeman, who served time in prison after being convicted in 1988 of embezzlement and perjury in connection with his school job, was elected to the board after receiving 45 write-in votes. Sleeman's troubled history with the Southwest Vermont Supervisory Union sparked the ire of several people Thursday. Jeanne Conner, who chose not to seek re-election for another term, called for Sleeman to resign. Local activist Michael Bethel says he is responsible for organizing a write-in campaign on Sleeman's behalf, unbeknownst to Sleeman, who decided to accept the position after speaking with his family.