A California school district axed its superintendent this week – nearly a year after students claimed she threatened to ban them from graduation festivities for failing to clap loudly enough for her daughter at a sports banquet.
The board overseeing the 35,000-student Poway Unified School District in San Diego voted unanimously to dismiss Marian Kim Phelps on Tuesday during a closed-door meeting, The Los Angeles Times reported.
Michelle O’Connor-Ratcliff, the board’s president, read a statement saying it “has lost all confidence and trust in Dr. Phelps’ ability to continue to serve as superintendent” following an investigation into Phelps’ actions, which began Nov. 15.
“The investigation brought to light previous unknown evidence with witnesses with direct first-hand knowledge that contradicted Dr. Phelps’ statements and assertions to the board, district staff and the public,” the board’s statement said.
Phelps felt members of the softball team at Del Norte High School, a Poway Unified campus in San Diego, didn’t applaud loudly enough for her daughter after she was named MVP during a May 30 team banquet, according players, coaches and teachers.
The so-called slight, players alleged, prompted Phelps to launch an investigation — and threaten to bar seniors from participating in graduation ceremonies.
Phelps, who also slapped with a pending lawsuit over the matter, could not be reached for comment.
