The Poway Unified School District (PUSD) Board of Education voted unanimously to terminate the contract of Superintendent Marian Kim Phelps, effective immediately as of Tuesday. This vote took place after the conclusion of the investigation of Phelps, who was accused of  harassment following her daughter’s Del Norte softball banquet, April 18. 

In a statement released by PUSD Board President Michelle O’Connor-Ratcliffe, the case included interviews from 41 witnesses who provided “previously unknown evidence” from “direct first-hand knowledge” that contradicted statements made by Phelps. The case also relied upon “the review of many documents.” 

While details regarding the findings of the investigation are largely unknown to the public at this time due to privacy concerns for involved students and district personnel, O’Connor-Ratcliffe attributed Phelps’ termination to her conduct. 

“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,” O’Connor-Ratcliffe said in her statement. 

On Tuesday, a PUSD community member formally filed a request under the California Public Record Act (PRA) to obtain details of Phelps’ case. This act provides citizens the right to access all public documents and records in the custody of the Secretary of State. As of Wednesday, details had not been released. 

As the Board looks to select a new superintendent, Greg Mizel will remain as acting interim superintendent.