ACCUSATION State threatens to pull school chief's certificate

The superintendent says she has been falsely accused.
By MARALINE KUBIK
VINDICATOR STAFF WRITER
STRUTHERS -- The Ohio Department of Education is threatening to revoke the teaching certificate of Dr. Sandi DiBacco, superintendent of Struthers schools, unless she can prove that she did not falsify documents submitted to the board last year.
According to a letter from the Office of Professional Conduct dated May 5, a copy of which was anonymously sent to The Vindicator, DiBacco is accused of providing false information regarding the teaching experience of Cheryl Richards, a teacher in Struthers schools. Richards is accused of filing false information to the department as well.
The letter states that the information submitted by DiBacco enabled Richards to "obtain a permanent education of the handicapped teaching certificate for which she was not qualified."
The letter states DiBacco provided information to the board indicating that Richards had taught regular classes and at least two special-education classes per day since the 1998-99 school year.
DiBacco declined to comment about the matter, saying only that she has been falsely accused.
Supportive
Kandace Becker-Hagendorn, Struthers Board of Education president, said she "fully supports Dr. DiBacco" and expects that she will be vindicated during a hearing before the state board of education.
Becker-Hagendorn said she expects the hearing to take place in Columbus some time next month.
School board member Sheri Noble declined to comment on the basis that the issue is a personnel matter.
The Department of Professional Conduct also declined to comment. J.C. Benton, spokesman for the office confirmed that an investigation is under way but said no details would be available until it is complete.