Milford board begins termination process, suspends employee pending hearing

The Milford Exempted Village Board of Education voted unanimously on Jan. 15 to begin termination proceedings and suspend an employee, identified in the board’s materials as Mr. Zepka, without pay pending the outcome of the process.

The board adopted a resolution authorizing the disciplinary process and noting that "Mr. Zepka has the option to elect a hearing conducted by an independent state referee," and that until the hearing the board would have no further comment regarding the matter. The resolution text and the reasons for the action were described as "listed in the board's resolution." (Board reading of resolution.)

The motion to adopt the resolution was moved and seconded and carried on a roll call vote with Mrs. Will, Mrs. Powers, Mr. Wilson, Mrs. Chestnut and Mrs. Mason voting "yes." The board announced the suspension would remain in effect while the referee process proceeds.

No further factual details or the underlying allegations were read into the public record at the meeting; the board said the reasons are included in the resolution and declined additional comment.

Next steps: the employee may choose a hearing before an independent state referee; the board said it will await the referee's decision and will not provide additional public comment while the process is pending.