In a decisive move, the Poway Unified School board has expelled Superintendent Marian Kim Phelps from her post following serious harassment allegations. According to the board, the termination was effective immediately, as announced Tuesday. An independent investigation featuring 41 witnesses and numerous documents has painted a starkly different picture from the one Dr. Phelps had offered up before the board, the district staff, and the public eye.
Misconduct associated with the Del Norte High School’s softball program was at the heart of the controversy, with players accusing Phelps of harassing them. The intent, they claimed, was to punish those she believed didn't clap sufficiently for her daughter during an awards banquet. The intense scrutiny and subsequent investigation have led to a loss in the confidence the board once had in Phelps’ capacity to lead effectively and to cooperate as part of the district's governance team.
The school board president, Michelle O'Connor-Ratcliff, said, "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." The fallout from the findings has been such that Phelps' employment agreement and services as Superintendent were unanimously agreed to be terminated during a closed session, reported Poway Unified School District.
Previous to the external probe, an internal investigation had cleared Phelps of any misconduct, a result now deeply questioned by the evidence brought forward. Justin Reden, the attorney representing a high school senior who has sued the district and its leaders, told The San Diego Union-Tribune, “The fact that they needed that investigation exposes serious flaws in their internal oversight capabilities, especially when it involves high-ranking officials.”
Despite the allegations, Phelps had categorically denied any wrongdoing, insisting that she never threatened any student or misused her power. Nevertheless, the culmination of months of pressure from students, parents, and community members has made Phelps' tenure unceremoniously end, leaving Grez Mizel to continue as the interim superintendent. The PUSD School Board has refrained from releasing further details due to the involvement of student and personnel issues, citing state and federal law.
