CA superintendent placed on leave after allegations of harassment towards softball team

The superintendent later allegedly threatened all the senior student-athletes that they’d face not participating in graduation if they didn’t admit to not clapping.

“[Phelps] made threats aimed at the entire senior softball group that either they admit that they orchestrated a conspiracy to not clap for J.P. at the softball banquet or that [she] would ensure that none of the senior softball players would be allowed to walk at graduation.

The school district launched an independent investigation into the allegations on Nov. 15.

“We have reached a sensitive point in the investigation and received information regarding the impact of this process,” read a statement from the school district. “In an effort to avoid distraction and to ensure continued focus on the District’s business and commitment to serving our students and community, the Board is placing the Superintendent on paid administrative leave, effective immediately.

The superintendent had allegedly “constructed a narrative falsely suggesting” the player had bullied her daughter as the two varsity softball students were both competing for the pitcher position on the varsity team.

“We are informed and believe that [Phelps’] aggressive behavior is rooted in what she unilaterally perceives to be an intense rivalry between her daughter, J.P., and one of the team’s other pitchers, the lawsuit read.

To read the full story from The New York Post about the California superintendent, click here.