In a recent development, the Poway Unified School District Superintendent, Marian Kim Phelps, has been terminated after a school board vote following an investigation into her conduct. This decision comes in response to allegations made by students of the Del Norte High School softball team regarding the superintendent's behavior.

According to reports from NBC San Diego, last November, students claimed that Phelps threatened their graduation privileges over what she perceived as a slight towards her daughter, who was a member of the team. The students stated that Phelps believed they did not clap loudly enough for her daughter during a softball awards banquet in May. To resolve the issue, Phelps allegedly called and texted some of the students late at night, accusing them of not showing enough support. The students further alleged that Phelps threatened to revoke their graduation privileges unless they apologized to her daughter.

Coach Tom Peronto, during a school board meeting, expressed his concerns about Phelps' "abuse of power" and stated that his career as a coach was threatened as a result of exposing these abuses. Peronto disclosed that Phelps falsely accused him of verbally attacking a board member in the district parking lot as a basis for terminating his position as a softball coach at Del Norte.

Michelle O'Connor-Ratcliff, the school board president, confirmed that the board voted to terminate Phelps' contract during a closed session on Tuesday, following an investigation that commenced on November 15 and concluded on April 18. The investigation involved reviewing statements from 41 witnesses and numerous documents, which reportedly contradicted Phelps' accounts.

Citing laws pertaining to student and personnel privacy, no additional details were provided in O'Connor-Ratcliff's statement. Phelps has not responded to requests for comment, and a public phone number listed for her has been disconnected.

NBC San Diego previously reported that Phelps denied the allegations made against her. In November, a lawsuit was filed in San Diego County, identified by the pseudonym Jane Doe, alleging that Phelps fabricated a false narrative suggesting that the student bullied her daughter. The lawsuit further claimed that Phelps initiated a biased internal investigation against the student. As a result, the student was reportedly barred from participating in extracurricular activities for her senior year, which included playing for the softball team, attending dances, field trips, student clubs, activities, and graduation. Phelps allegedly provided the student and her parents with less than a day to sign an agreement accepting the disciplinary measures.

In her statement to NBC San Diego, Phelps vehemently denied the allegations, stating that she had never threatened any student and that all the accusations were false and fabricated.

The termination of Superintendent Phelps' contract highlights the school board's loss of confidence and trust in her ability to continue serving as the district's superintendent. The investigation into her conduct, along with testimonies from witnesses and accompanying documents, led to this consequential decision.

As the legal proceedings and investigations continue, the fallout from these allegations raises significant concerns over the treatment of students, the abuse of power, and the need for accountability in the education system.