An Ohio teacher is facing termination after she allegedly took two sick days from work to attend an out-of-state concert.
The school board noted in a copy of its resolution that the longtime educator allegedly “falsified sick leave” on Feb. 8 and 9 and told colleagues that she was attending a show in Nashville.
Washburn, a high school English teacher who is also listed online as a Loveland City School District board member, reportedly “refused to answer questions” about her “whereabouts” or “specifics on her alleged need for sick time” during a “predisciplinary meeting,” the resolution read.
She has been teaching at Lakota West since 2015, and previously taught at Princeton High School from 2004-2015, according to her bio on theLoveland District’s website.
She has worked as a varsity softball coach, student government advisor and yearbook advisor, among several other roles. The educator is also a mother of two children, per her bio.
Photo illustration of an empty school hallway.Getty
Getty
The Cincinnati Enquirerreported that Lakota’s Interim Superintendent Elizabeth Lolli recommended that Washburn’s suspension be continued until the board vote to terminate her on April 22, unless she requests a hearing
“From the evidence gathered, the conclusion was that Ms. Washburn’s actions violated O.R.C. §3319.141, Collective Bargaining Agreement Section 14.01(H), a number of Board Policies, including 3432 (Sick Leave) and 3210 (Staff Ethics),” the board’s resolution to consider termination reads.
“Her actions also violated the Licensure Code of Professional Conduct for Ohio Educators, specifically Principles 1 and 3. 4. Other good and just cause,” it continues.
Washburn must next “file a written demand for a hearing” before an April 22 public meeting, according to the resolution.
In a statement to PEOPLE Monday, Lolli said that the school district does not comment on personnel matters, but that there were a few points to clarify.
“Lakota takes allegations of falsification of sick leave seriously and will pursue this personnel matter through its statutory process,” Lolli concluded.
Street view of Lakota West High School in Ohio.Google maps
Google maps
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Washburn and the president of the Lakota Local School Board, Julie Shaffer, did not immediately respond to PEOPLE’s request for comment on SundayandMonday.
Several commenters on thedistrict’s Facebook pageand onX (formerly Twitter)have since expressed concern with the school board’s decision.
source: people.com
