Struthers' superintendent allowed to retain certificates

The superintendent said she's glad it's over.
By MICHELLE C. HLADIK
VINDICATOR CORRESPONDENT
COLUMBUS -- Struthers City Schools Superintendent Dr. Sandra DiBacco-Tusinac will retain her educational certificates after a 13-3 vote by Ohio's State Board of Education on Tuesday.
The board accepted the recommendation of hearing officer Stephen Teetor to suspend DiBacco-Tusinac's educational licenses for 60 days if the superintendent does not cooperate with the Ohio Department of Education and provide necessary and correct information on the teaching credentials of Struthers teacher Cheryl Richards. If she complies, there will be no suspension.
Also reprimanded
In the same resolution, the board also voted to publicly reprimanded DiBacco-Tusinac.
The case stems from complaints the department received that DiBacco-Tusinac had provided false information to the department in 2003 about Richards' teaching experience, which allowed Richards to obtain her permanent education of the handicapped certificate.
Teetor, a Columbus attorney, presided over the hearing called to settle the matter.
During the hearing, which began last August, the department asked Teetor to recommend revocation of the certificates.
However, in his recommendation, Teetor said DiBacco-Tusinac had not intentionally misled the department.
What was at stake
At stake were DiBacco-Tusinac's permanent high school teaching certificate, eight-year supervisor's certificate, eight-year high school principal certificate and four year superintendent certificate.
"I'm just very glad it's all over," DiBacco-Tusinac said.
The state board also agreed to accept Teetor's findings that Richards did not provide false information and should also be allowed to retain her teaching certificates except Richards' permanent education of the handicapped teaching certificate which was granted because of the information provided by DiBacco-Tusinac and called into question at a separate hearing.
Teetor recommended suspension of Richards' permanent education of the handicapped teaching certificate, but she be allowed to submit an amended application with full disclosure of her qualifications and experience at no cost.
The state board agreed.