MOUNT VERNON — The termination hearing for Mount Vernon Middle School science teacher John Freshwater resumed today.
On the stand this morning, according to Mount Vernon News reporter Pam Schehl, was Dennis Turner, pastor of New Life Community Church in Fredericktown.
Turner testified regarding his opportunities to speak at Fellowship of Christian Athletes meetings at Mount Vernon High School and middle school.
Turner said Freshwater contacted him directly to speak to the middle school group, and that only students contacted him to meet with the high school. FCA advisors serve in only an advisory position and are not permitted to take an active role in the organization.
Next on the stand was Thomas Herlevi, owner of HR on Call, the firm hired by the Mount Vernon Board of Education to investigate allegations against Freshwater.
Herlevi confirmed that a union representative was present when Freshwater was interviewed. He also testified that Freshwater asked to make an audio recording of the interview. Herlevi agreed only if he would receive a copy. As of the time of his testimony, Herlevi said he has yet to receive the copy of the interview.
Schehl said that a list of all those interviewed during the investigation, as well as a list of those who served as speaker for the middle school FCA, was entered into evidence.
Continue to watch www.mountvernonnews.com for updates throughout the day.
Read Wednesday’s edition of the News for complete coverage of the hearing.
During Tuesday’s testimony in the John Freshwater termination hearing, Dennis Turner, pastor of New Life Community Church in Fredericktown, testified that Freshwater contacted him to confirm that he was going to speak to the students, not to invite him to speak as was reported Tuesday on www.mountvernonnews.com. The News regrets the error.
