MOUNT VERNON — After a special executive session to discuss the matter, the Mount Vernon school board on Monday passed a resolution to schedule a hearing regarding the contract termination of eighth-grade science teacher John Freshwater.
Because Freshwater refused to consent to a hearing during summer vacation, the board set a hearing date of Aug. 26. It also requested a referee be appointed by the State of Ohio Superintendent of Public Instruction, and asked that actions be taken to protect the privacy and identity of any students who may testify at the hearing.
During the public participation portion of the meeting, a handful of Freshwater supporters — George Beougher, Darcy Miller, Ted Kiger, Don Matolyak, Steve Thompson and Marilyn Beougher — addressed the board, restating their views and saying that Freshwater should not be dismissed. Conversely, Sam Barone thanked the board for “doing the right thing courageously and fairly.”
