Lawsuit filed against SCPS board over superintendent vote

SANFORD, Fla. — A Seminole County resident is challenging the school board’s recent controversial decision to rescind their vote to hire Chad Farsnworth, an assistant superintendent with the Lake County Public Schools.

The board revoted during a special meeting Monday night and hired Serita Beamon, the school board attorney, instead of Farsnworth.

According to the lawsuit, Brittany Walker believes the school board violated procedure in rescinding their votes for Farnsworth.

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In the 30-page lawsuit filed on Thursday, Walker alleges the decision by the board will directly impact her child’s future education.

Walker also alleges that the board had been promoting Farnsworth as the next superintendent, as well as holding meetings between Farnsworth and the county school principals.

It also alleged that a two-thirds vote was needed instead of a simple majority to rescind the vote.

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“In rescinding a vote there are certain things the school board is allowed to rescind votes on, and one of those things is not the decision to elect someone to the position of superintendent,” Walker said.

Walker believes the board caved to pressure from the African American community in Sanford to hire Beamon.

In her lawsuit, she is asking that the court halt all contract negotiations with Beamon and continue contract talks with Farnsworth, making him the superintendent.

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A school district spokesperson was unable to comment on pending litigation.

Farnsworth called the SCPS district and said he has nothing to do with that lawsuit and doesn’t want his name associated with it.

Cox Media Group