KALAMAZOO, MI (WKZO AM/FM) – Officials with the Kalamazoo Public Schools are dismissing the claims of a former Assistant Secretary in the Superintendent’s office, who has filed a federal lawsuit against the district.
Tabitha Coleman claims she was transferred in retaliation for claiming the School Board was improperly spending money to reimburse travel expenses and serving meals at board meetings.
Interim Superintendent Cindy Green says they heard Coleman’s complaints, looked into them, and their attorney found the allegations to be unfounded.
Green says contrary to what Coleman claims, she was transferred at her request and got a pay raise.
Green says the meals are for the convenience of Board of Education members who sometimes come straight from work to board sessions. Trustees travel to State Educational Conferences for work sessions and training.
The travel fund is part of the district’s annually approved budget.
Green had no comment on the lawsuit, which she says they have not yet seen.
Coleman filed the federal whistle blower’s suit Wednesday, first issuing a press release. She and her attorney are seeking compensation and she wants reinstatement to her previous position.
reporting from John McNeill
