Overview
- The governing board unanimously adopted 14 charges against Dr. C. Todd Cummings and said he will be dismissed unless he requests a hearing within 10 days.
- Allegations include failure to disclose information on his job application, insubordination, violating law and district policy, unprofessional conduct, disrespect toward staff, and misrepresenting himself to the board.
- Board leaders said they have not ruled on whether the allegations are true, noting Cummings has been on leave since September during an independent investigation conducted under confidential executive-session rules.
- Prior reporting from South Bend cited evidence of at least 2,500 grade changes to boost graduation rates, and records indicate Cummings was placed on leave there in January and later received a reported $225,000 early-retirement payout.
- Emails warning Paradise Valley officials about the Indiana concerns were sent during the spring hiring process, and some community members are now pressing for stronger vetting of future superintendent candidates.