A California school superintendent was fired amid accusations that she protected a mid-level supervisor and friend who allegedly bullied, harassed and intimidated underlings including putting one worker’s desk on a roof during a prank.
The Antioch Unified School District trustees unanimously voted to terminate Superintendent Stephanie Anello’s contract on Thursday to a resounding applause from those who felt the wrath under her leadership.
The vote comes after Anello was accused of not holding Kenneth Turnage, the school district’s director of maintenance, operations and facilities, accountable following reports of consistent bullying.
Turnage, a good friend of Anello and her husband former Antioch Police Chief Allan Cantando, was accused of putting one of his employee’s desks onto a roof, according to KNTV.
General Maintenance worker Jim Kesser claimed Turnage had ordered other employees to move his desk and chair outside and onto the roof of a structure in the maintenance yard where he worked in Jan. 2023.
The rooftop office was equipped with a ladder and a handmade sign that read “Kesser’s access.”
Kesser alleged the prank was a retaliatory move and Turnage’s attempt at public humiliation.
The worker reportedly pushed back at Turnage’s order to do electrical and mechanical work.
“And he literally blew up at me…He went from zero to 60 in five seconds,” Kesser told the outlet.
Kesser, who wasn’t at work the day of the prank, found out about the embarrassing scheme after coworkers sent him pictures.
He was rushed to the hospital a week later.
“I literally was in the emergency room the next weekend. My wife said you’re having panic attacks…I thought I was having a heart attack,” Kesser said.
Under Turnage’s supervision, three employees went on medical leave because of the stress they endured while at work, while a fourth retired early because of his boss, NBC Bay Area reported.
At least four workers had filed complaints against Anello accusing her of protecting Turnage.
Purchasing Technician Kim Atkinson, who worked under Turnage, had filed a grievance with the district’s human resources but was told there was no wrongdoing, calling it a prank.
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After Atkinson’s grievances were rejected, Turnage filed complaints against her and her husband Brian Atkinson, president of the local Chapter 85 of the California School Employees Association, in May, according to the Mercury News.
School district staff including the school’s principals and vice principals attended Thursday’s meeting calling for the board to take action against Anello for her failure to hold Turnage accountable.
“The board took action in a closed session to terminate the superintendent’s (employment) agreement, effective immediately, without cause pursuant to the term of that employment agreement,” said Board President Antonio Hernandez to the satisfaction of members in the audience.
Anello, who has been on medical leave since May, was paid $324,000 in 2022 including her overtime and fringe benefits according to NBC News.
Turnage made a little over $103,000.
Turnage was placed on administrative leave in May while the district investigates additional bullying claims.
Following the vote, Anello sent an email to the district saying she had “mixed emotions” before expressing gratitude to the students, staff and community members.
“I have been fortunate to have such a long and meaningful career in AUSD for the past 25 plus years beginning as a substitute teacher and culminating in these past eight years as superintendent,” she said according to the Mercury News. “It has been an honor and privilege to serve you, and I look forward to your future success.”
