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Posted: 6/10/2009 11:19:21 AM

Freshwater suing school board



MOUNT VERNON – Former eighth-grade science teacher John Freshwater has filed a federal lawsuit against the Mount Vernon City School Board, administrators and the investigative firm the board hired to look into allegations against him.

 
The lawsuit, filed in US District Court for the Southern District of Ohio, cites free speech and equal protection violations under the US Constitution. Violations of Ohio Public Policy, religious harassment, retaliation, conspiracy, defamation, and breach of contract are also addressed in the claim filed Tuesday.

 
"The truth needs to be heard and I look forward to resolving this situation so I can get back to teaching science." Freshwater said, "I miss teaching and want to get back in the classroom."
 

The civil action alleges that Freshwater followed the directives given by the administration regarding items in his classroom in April 2008, but not for the removal of his personal Bible from his desk.


A press release from Freshwater’s supporters said, “While the board continues to claim that this is ‘not about the Bible on his desk,’ it was Freshwater’s public statements and refusal to remove his Bible from his desk which prompted the board’s actions and caused the chain of events that lead to this lawsuit.”
 

The claim alleges that Freshwater was discriminated against because of his personal religious beliefs and has been treated differently than other teachers in the district.


“The action shows a concerted effort was made by members of the MVCSDB and the administration to pose Freshwater in a bad light,” said the press release. “The administration ignored their duties in following the appropriate process with Freshwater and was negligent in their own knowledge and training of board policy.”
 

The lawsuit accuses investigators Thomas and Julia Hurlevi, hired by the board, failed to interview key individuals who had relevant information, of refusing to follow-up on leads which “could have acquitted Freshwater.”
 

Superintendant Steve Short, Middle School Principal William White, former school administrator Lynda Weston, school board members Ian Watson and Jody Goetzman, and the Hurlevi’s are all named individually, as well as in their official capacities, in the claim while Attorney David Millstone is named only in his capacity as an agent for the board of education.
 

According to Freshwater’s attorney, R Kelly Hamilton, the preference was to complete the public hearing before filing any action, but the refusal of board members to testify has delayed the hearing and pushed against the statute of limitations requirements.


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February 9, 2010
5:00:00 PM
- Business Owners Social Networking
Location:
- The Alcove, Mount Vernon, Ohio
Description:
- The Heritage Centre Association invites you this Tuesday, February 9th, for a business owners social networking at The Alcove, upstairs from 6pm to 8pm. This will be a casual event for business owners to meet and share thoughts and ideas. We had eight businesses represented last month at Flapper’s with a nice group coming out to get to know each other better. Everyone is welcome, whether your business is located downtown or not. We are hoping to have business owners from around the county as well as the Central Business District. There will be a cash bar with complimentary hors d’oeuvres. Come early, beginning at 5:00 p.m. for the Chamber’s Business After Hours event for complimentary drinks also until 6:00 p.m.. Next month’s gathering is scheduled for March 9th at Henry’s at the Curtis Inn from 6 to 8pm. There will be hors d’oeuvres and your first drink compliments of Henry’s at the March event. Come out Tuesday evening and save the date for next month.

February 10, 2010
There are currently no events scheduled for today.

February 11, 2010
There are currently no events scheduled for today.

February 12, 2010
There are currently no events scheduled for today.

February 13, 2010
10:30:00 AM
- 6th Annual Dirko’s Blizzard Open
Location:
- Tomahawk Golf Course
Description:
- 6th Annual Dirko’s Blizzard Open- All Proceeds Benefit Hospice of Knox County. Have the winter blues got you bummed? Here’s your chance to put a little spring into your step! 11 Hole Four Man/Woman Scramble $30 per Golfer ($120 per team) Sign up limited to 16 teams ~ Sign up single or by team Date is Saturday, February 13th, 2010 ~ Sign in 10:30a.m. ~ Shotgun start 11a.m. Rain date will be Sunday, February 14, 2010 ~ Event takes place at Tomahawk Golf Course. ** All entries and fees are due by Monday, February 8, 2010** Bring form and check: Dirko’s Pizza 500 Coshocton Rd. Mt. Vernon Or mail to: Blizzard Open Dirk Parker P.O. Box 531 Gambier, OH 43022 For additional information call: 740-427-2166 Can’t play that day…you can still be a part of the event…Hole Sponsorship are $30
5:00:00 PM
- Hawaiian luau
Location:
- Dan Emmett Conference Center
Description:
- Employee’s Relay Team from Rolls-Royce will host their annual benefit dance and silent auction. Tickets to the luau include a Hawaiian-themed buffet dinner and a non-alcoholic beverage; a cash bar will be available throughout the night. Tickets are $50 per person and $100 per couple, or tables for eight may be reserved for $350. Tickets should be purchased in advance by calling Donna Strosnider at (740) 393-8512. In keeping with the benefit’s theme, guests are encouraged to dress in their most authentic Hawaiian clothes and a prize will be awarded for best costume. In addition to dinner, dancing and the costume prize, there will be a number of items available during the silent auction

February 14, 2010
12:00:00 PM
- Valentine's Day Party
Location:
- 33 Public Square, Mount Vernon, Ohio
Description:
- Hard Knox Tattoo is Having a Valentine's Day Party. Live Music By Stretch Lefty, Discounts on tattoos and piercing, 50/50 raffle. You can buy your tickets ahead of time. For more information call (740) 326-6204
3:00:00 PM
- Sweetheart Hike
Location:
- Mohican Outdoor School Field Trip Center, 5391 Bunker Hill North Road, Butler, OH
Description:
- Hemlock Falls is a very romantic 80 foot waterfall. Bring your sweetheart and join us for a guided hike to the falls. A wine/beverage and cheese reception will follow in the Mohican Outdoor School Field Trip Center. The hike will leave at 3:00PM from the field trip center located at 5391 Bunker Hill North Road, Butler, OH. Alcoholic beverages will not be served to persons under the age of 21 years. The cost is $12.00 per person: all proceeds will benefit the Environmental Learning Center Call us at 419-938-6671 or e-mail info@mohicanoutdoorschool.org

February 15, 2010
11:30:00 AM
- Passage Support Group
Location:
- Hospice of Knox County's Community Room
Description:
- Passage, a support and educational group for adults, meets on Monday at Hospice of Knox County's Community Room from 11:30-1:00 p.m.