Softball Scandal Takes Down Poway Schools Boss

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Marian Kim Phelps is out as Superintendent of the Poway Unified School District. 

The embattled district leader has been under fire since November, when students and parents alleged she had harassed members of the Del Norte High School softball team on which her daughter plays. The harassment allegedly stemmed from a May incident at a banquet for the softball team during which some members did not clap for Phelps’ daughter. 

In February, Poway Unified placed her on administrative leave amid an investigation into the alleged harassment. That investigation concluded in mid-April, after interviews with 41 witnesses and a thorough document review.

She’s out: After meeting in closed session for nearly three hours on Tuesday, Poway’s Board of Education announced it had unanimously voted to terminate Phelps, effective immediately. In a statement, Board President Michelle O’Connor-Ratcliff wrote the board had come to the decision based on evidence the investigation had uncovered “that contradicted Dr. Phelps’ statements and assertions to the Board, District staff, and the public.”

“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,” the statement read.

Greg Mizel, who has served as interim superintendent since Phelps was placed on leave, will continue in that role.

Still at play: Phelps’ alleged behavior also spawned a lawsuit from one member of the team, who has remained anonymous because they are a minor. In the lawsuit, the player claimed she had been the victim of an “illegitimate and biased” investigation that ultimately kept her from playing on the softball team her senior year.

In a statement, the family of the student wrote that the board took a significant step with the decision to oust Phelps. 

“We are relieved that they are starting to take responsibility for their actions,” the statement read.

“While this decision cannot undo the damage, unjust treatment, and hardships our daughter endured during her senior year, including the unwarranted removal of all her school related privileges, it is a move in the right direction.”

The lawsuit is still ongoing.