Chester board vice chair ‘heartbroken’ over superintendent resignation

The vice chairwoman of the Chester County school board said she is “heartbroken” over Superintendent Agnes Slayman’s resignation, which came hours after employee allegations that Slayman had created a “hostile” work environment were made public.

“I reluctantly voted to accept the resignation,” Sandra Stroman said Friday, “because I believed it was in (Slayman’s) best interest.” The decision came in a 4-3 vote, late Thursday night.

Stroman issued her statement hours before school board Chairwoman Denise Lawson and Slayman issued a joint statement applauding Slayman for various contributions and positive steps made in Chester County schools.

The joint statement – prepared by attorneys representing the district and Slayman – made no mention of a document first reported by The Herald before Thursday night’s school board meeting. In that investigative report, prepared for the school board by a consultant earlier this month, district employees claimed Slayman intimidated them and made racial comments. Some allege Slayman threatened to physically harm people.

Slayman’s attorney has denied that she ever made serious threats. He also questioned the claims made in the consultant’s report that employees sought medical attention for stress-related health issues and depression while working for Slayman.

Stroman was was visibly upset Thursday night after emerging from the school board’s four-hour, closed-door meeting with Slayman, the school district’s attorneys and others.

“Today, I remain heartbroken about this decision,” Stroman wrote Friday, “and regret the negative effect her resignation will have on the students, teachers, staff and taxpayers of Chester County.

“Dr. Slayman brought this district into the 21st century with innovation in technology that has resulted in rising scores and increased partnerships with businesses both in our county and across the nation. Among the long list of achievements under her leadership are the recently announced SAT scores, which have exceeded the state average for the first time ever.”

Stroman took issue with what she called “anonymous attacks and leaks” aimed at harming Slayman’s reputation and integrity. Those comments were “circulated among the newspapers and online,” she said, and led the school board “down a path where there was little choice, except to reluctantly allow her resignation.”

Slayman is a “person of great integrity, energy and brilliance.” she wrote. “I can only pray now that Dr. Slayman, our students, faculty and the community will be able to make the best of this tragic situation.”

Lawson and Slayman’s joint statement also lauded Slayman’s achievements during nearly four years as superintendent. For her service, according to the statement, board members agreed to pay Slayman $300,000 – the equivalent of two years’ annual salary – and agreed to continue health insurance benefits for her until January.

Slayman might serve as a “consultant” for the district “to resolve any ongoing matters,” according to the statement, but officials did not indicate what that might entail.

“We wish for her every personal and professional success in her future,” the statement read. “The board is committed to moving forward with dignity and respect for all.”

The school board will soon name an interim superintendent, the statement read, and announce plans for a search for a new superintendent this fall.

“This has been a difficult time for all involved,” the statement reads, “and we appreciate our staff and the public’s patience these past weeks.”

To read the both statements, go to heraldonline.com.

This story was originally published September 25, 2015 at 12:42 PM with the headline "Chester board vice chair ‘heartbroken’ over superintendent resignation."