The Poway (California) school board has voted unanimously to fire Superintendent Marian Kim Phelps.
The San Diego Union-Tribune reports that the dismissal follows an investigation into the softball program at Del Norte High School in San Diego and accusations that Phelps harassed its players after an end-of-season awards banquet last year.
“The investigation brought to light previously unknown evidence from witnesses with direct first-hand knowledge, that contradicted Dr. Phelps’ statements and assertions to the board, district staff, and the public,” said board President Michelle O’Connor-Ratcliff. “Based on her conduct, as revealed to the board through the investigation, the board has lost all confidence and trust in Dr. Phelps’ ability to continue to serve as superintendent, as well as in her ability to continue to work collaboratively with the board as part of Poway Unified’s governance team."
During the past year, softball players, parents and coaches have alleged at board meetings that Phelps had abused her power by harassing members of the softball team because she believed they didn’t clap loudly enough for her daughter, Jessica Phelps, a pitcher on the team, at the banquet.
In November, a Poway Unified high school senior softball player sued the district and its leaders, accusing Phelps of pursuing a campaign of punishment and harassment against her and her teammates.
Phelps has denied the allegations and said her daughter was being bullied by another Del Norte student before and after the banquet.
In response, the school board launched the investigation.
Rachelle Babler, a parent of two Poway Unified students, said after the board's vote to fire Phelps that the superintendent should have been removed last summer when students and parents first came to the board.
“It’s disheartening that the families and students had to go through months and months of mental duress when there was evidence that the superintendent abused her powers,” said Babler.
Rachelle Babler, a parent of two Poway Unified students who attended Tuesday’s meeting, said after the announcement that Phelps should have been fired last summer when students and parents first came to the board.
“It’s disheartening that the families and students had to go through months and months of mental duress when there was evidence that the superintendent abused her powers,” said Babler.
Phelps had been superintendent of the 36,000-student district since April 2017.
Greg Mizel, a longtime Poway employee and an associate superintendent, is serving as interim Superintendent.
