News, Culture and NPR for Central & Northern Michigan

TCAA superintendent accused of harassment

Your browser doesn’t support HTML5 audio

flickr user: Stuart McAlpine

The superintendent of northern Michigan’s largest school district is being accused of harassment.

A letter from Traverse City administrators to the school board alleges Superintendent Paul Soma bullies and intimidates female principals.

One allegation describes Soma yelling at a female principal about his authority … repeatedly telling her his title is superintendent.

In another instance Soma allegedly reminds a female principal that she has her job only because of him.

In the letter – which includes five pages of allegations – Soma is characterized as “unprofessional” and “hot-headed.”

The superintendent says the allegations are unfounded.

“I respect every employees right to disagree with my approach and my decisions. That’s a challenge that every leader has to face.”

The T-CAPS board says they will investigate the allegations.

The board is also set to give the superintendent a performance evaluation on Monday where they will decide if they want to renew Soma’s contract.

  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • LinkedIn
  • Email