BARBERTON: The Barberton school board has selected its president and vice president.
Joe Stefan was elected Monday night to be board president, succeeding Dennis Liddle.
Stefan, who was president before Liddle and vice president in 2012, said it was a “natural progression.”
Maggie Masson was elected as vice president.
Masson was also appointed as the student achievement liaison while board member Megann Eberhart was appointed as the district’s legislative liaison.
Following the election, board members went into an executive session to discuss updates with their attorney regarding a lawsuit filed against former Superintendent John Hall and the board.
Mary Beth Foore, a former Barberton school employee, filed a suit against Hall in 2011, claiming sexual discrimination after feeling repeatedly disrespected. The suit claims Hall created “an intimidating, hostile and offensive work environment.”
Foore also claims that a contract for her job to analyze test performance and improve scores was not renewed because Hall abolished the position.
She alleges that the school board failed to protect her position after she reported the discriminatory environment, nor did they hold Hall accountable.
Liddle said Foore was not fired, but her position was cut as the district looked to make up a budget shortfall.
The board approved an agreement between Hall’s personal attorney and the district’s attorney to work together on the case.
“No changes were made in the lawsuit. It was more paperwork than anything else,” said Ryan Pendleton, the district’s treasurer and chief financial officer.
