Superintendent Steps Down After Teacher Complaint
Tom Cooper, the superintendent of the Buellton Union School District, has resigned amid accusations he harassed a teacher because she was pregnant.According to published reports, first-grade teacher Lisa Restivo says Cooper talked about putting birth control in the staff lounge and water. She says he also reacted negatively to pregnant staff and displayed sexism toward women.Cooper reportedly apologized in a statement in July, for possibly showing insensitivity to a few pregnant teachers who were going to miss a large part of the school year. He said he now realized some may have taken offense at his comments. The board of education in the two-school district is now seeking a new superintendent. Cooper’s resignation was made public on Friday.