According to a report released Friday by the Antioch Unified School District as part of the School Board Agenda, it provides findings regarding a complaint against School Board Trustee Debra Vinson.
The report, dated June 13, was performed by the law firm Van Dermyden Maddux, who was hired to investigate a complaint by a school employee against Antioch Unified Board Member Debra Vinson–to date, according to Superintendent Stephanie Anello the cost in legal fees is $20,119.
This was the result of a letter dated February 21, 2017 where an employee alleged Vinson directed them to effect an intra-district transfer to a school (which was redacted) in a manner in which Vinson pressed the employee with this request.
The report stated during the course of the investigation, another employee alleged that Vinson had engaged in bullying and intimidation related to the same issue. Both employees felt bullied and pressured by Vinson.
Van Dermyden Maddux says several attempts to interview Vinson occurred which delayed the completion of the report which acknowledged Vinson failed to participate:
“Despite extensive efforts to provide her with an opportunity to provide her perspective, by her actions, she declined to do so.”
“The findings also support the overall allegation that Vinson considers herself not bound by polices and processes. This is troubling for someone serving as a trustee.”
Van Dermyden Maddux says they left her a voice mail followed by three emails with no responses:
- March 28, 2017
- April 19, 2017
- April 27, 2017
Vinson then left a voicemail for Van Dermyden Maddux saying she hoped to meet in a few weeks when she was able to connect.
At that point, the report says that since Trustee had not made herself available, Board President Walter Ruehlig sent Vinson an email on May 11, 2017.
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After Ruehlig sent his letter to Vinson, Van Dermyden Maddux made 13 other attempts to contact Vinson for the interview (see below)
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According to the Summary of Findings, Van Dermyden Maddux says they found that Vinson engaged in conduct, as alleged based on consistent interactions of the witnesses, there credibility and corroborating. They also found despite every opportunity to do so, Vinson did not provide any information to the contrary.
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The findings of the investigation revealed that:
- Vinson engaged in intimidating conduct towards two employees.
- Vinson improperly attempted to exercise administrative responsibility and commanded the services of two school employees.
- Vinson used her position to pressure two District employees into making a decision that was contrary to Board policy.
This comes on the heals as another employee last year accused Vinson of bullying at Antioch Middle School while stating she believed Vinson made a racist comment. That incident cost the School District more than $3,000 in legal fees to conduct an investigation.
To view the full report, click here. The matter will go before the school board on Wednesday August 23 at 7:00 pm.
13 comments
This woman is unfit to serve in any elected capacity. She should resign if she had any decency. Where is the outage from the left on her? Or do they only go after Trump?
I really wish Debra Vinson would go away and resign. She is not good for the District or students.
Pay attention to the arrogance of not participating
“The findings also support the overall allegation that Vinson considers herself not bound by polices and processes. This is troubling for someone serving as a trustee.”
I think it is time we the people of Antioch stand up and remove her from office. I agree with Bill, she is unfit.
Ghetto mentality at it’s worst.
The rest of the board should take appropriate action and remove her from the vice president role. She should also never serve as board president and be removed from all committee assignments while never being allowed to represent the District. All travel money should also be halted.
So what is the consequence to her (Vinson)? Too many people in high positions in education have been bullying their employees. We just had this happen with a former principal for the County who now has a high position with the Brentwood district because she knows people. She bullied and intimidated select employees and created jobs with tax payer money for her friends. This has to stop. Our children and education system is suffering from this. So again I ask, what are the consequences for these unfit individuals in such high decision making positions?!
It seems to me in the past 20 years people who cannot do their job or are guilty of maleficence or worse are always PROMOTED as Barb just said. Job security is currently failure to do your job. This country from top to bottom is morally corrupt and Ms. Vinson is a good example.
You are absolutely correct Martin. The USA has become morally bankrupt. Anything goes and every type of corrupt or perverse behavior is socially acceptable. Very sad!
Arrogant woman, needs to go!
When you “suggest” to a person to read a book about white bias, you are being savvy at calling said person a disparaging name. This is textbook racism at the Harvard level. Also taught at Harvard is replacing a statement to “Shut your mouth” with talking louder and louder without letting the counter point to be made by the opposing side. Another savvy move.
What does this have to do with race? Bullying and intimidation is present in any field especially in corporate and even in manual labor markets.
I suggest you read Harriet Beecher Stowe’s 1852 novel. Do you understand this example i provided?
Antioch better demand she resigns or is removed from office. This cannot be allowed to continue with all the District and city is trying to accomplish. I hope the recall effort is serious and moves forward.
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