Community College opts to release cosmetology instructor

On Monday, the Fort Scott Community College Board of Trustees voted to terminate the contract of FSCC teacher Berna McLeod.

McLeod, a teacher in the FSCC School of Cosmetology in Pittsburg, was terminated for various instances of recent insubordination, including failure to comply with several directives outlined in a May 7 letter to her from FSCC administrators, according to an FSCC document.

Trustees unanimously approved a motion to discontinue McLeod's contract during their regular monthly meeting. McLeod was not present at the meeting.

According to a resolution that was reviewed and adopted by the board on Monday, McLeod had failed to complete a medical and psychological evaluation in a timely manner; failed to attend scheduled meetings; failed to provide an accounting for supplies purchased for the FSCC School of Cosmetology from State Beauty Supply on an invoice dated Jan. 21, 2008, despite repeated requests for an accounting; and failed to develop and submit a syllabus for courses that she taught at the FSCC Cosmetology School. The document also said that McLeod had misused and/or misappropriated FSCC School of Cosmetology supplies.

McLeod and other FSCC officials were not available for comment on the matter as of press time. FSCC officials have said that information concerning the board's decision is limited to statements contained in the resolution that the board reviewed during open session on Monday. That resolution makes the non-renewal of McLeod's contract official.

According to state law, McLeod is entitled to a hearing before a hearing officer with regard to the board's decision to terminate her teaching contract, provided that she submit a written request for such a hearing to the board of trustees within 15 days after being notified of her termination. If McLeod chooses not to pursue a hearing, she will not be required to take further action, the FSCC document said.

FSCC Human Resource Director Cheryl Combs has been authorized and directed by FSCC administration to submit a written notice to McLeod informing her of the board's intent to terminate her contract. McLeod will remain on paid administrative leave until the board decides to take further action on the matter, the document said.

The situation regarding McLeod's contract is similar to an incident that took place in 2006 when trustees discontinued the teaching contract of Arma resident Marty Bedene, a former 22-year employee of the college and instructor in the FSCC School of Cosmetology in Pittsburg. At the time, the board cited several allegations that Bedene was not performing her job well and putting FSCC at risk with the State Board of Cosmetology.

Bedene sought legal counsel and pursued a hearing on the matter, which took place in July 2006. After reviewing the case, a hearing officer who reviewed evidence and documentation on the case ultimately decided that Bedene's contract should not be renewed.