CHESTER, S.C. — Chester County schools Superintendent Agnes Slayman threatened to kill district employees and has "created a hostile work environment," prompting more than half of the district's senior staff to seek medical attention for stress-related health issues and depression, the employees allege in an investigative report provided to the school board this month and obtained by our news partner at The Herald on Thursday.
Channel 9 requested a copy of that report.
Slayman denies those claims, and specifically she "emphatically denies that she's ever seriously threatened to kill anybody," Slayman's attorney, J. Lewis Cromer of Columbia, told The Herald on Thursday.
Slayman has never had the intent to harm anyone, he said.
According to The Herald, listed in the investigative report, was a time Slayman reportedly told an employee that she "cut your throat off if you ever speak to the Board again."
Our news partners at The Herald also report that Slayman is accused of sending emails that made her staff cry.
He said Slayman’s leave of absence earlier this month was taken at the request of the school board chairwoman, and perhaps the entire board, to allow the district to look into the employee allegations.
The School Board voted 4-3 Thursday night to release Slayman from her contract as superintendent.
Board members agreed Thursday night to pay Slayman $300,000 over the next two years as part of her resignation.
Slayman left the meeting Thursday without commenting.
Channel 9 went by Slayman's house Friday but she once again declined to comment.
READ MORE from The Herald:
Sandra Stroman, Vice Chairman of the Chester County School Board of Trustees, issued the following statement regarding the resignation:
"Last night, I reluctantly voted to accept the resignation of Dr. Agnes Slayman because I believed it was in the best interest of Dr. Slayman and the district. Today, I remain heartbroken about this decision, and regret the negative effect her resignation will have on the students, teachers, staff, and taxpayers of Chester County.
"Dr. Slayman brought this district into the 21st century with innovation in technology that has resulted in rising scores and increased partnerships with businesses both in our county and across the nation. Among the long list of achievements under her leadership are the recently announced SAT scores, which have exceeded the state average for the first time ever.
"Unfortunately, Dr. Slayman's reputation and integrity were irreparably impugned by anonymous attacks and leaks that were circulated among the newspapers and online. The Chester County School Board was then led down a path where there was little choice, except to reluctantly allow her resignation.
"Dr. Slayman has been, and continues to be, a person of great integrity, energy, and brilliance. I can only pray now that Dr. Slayman, our students, faculty, and the community will be able to make the best of this tragic situation.
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