Complaints Filed Against Sarasota School Officials

SARASOTA, FL — Undisclosed complaints have been filed against the chief operating officer and assistant superintendent of the Sarasota County School District as well as over the handling of that complaint by Superintendent Todd Bowden and the district's human resources department, district officials said in a statement.

The initial verbal complaint was filed by a district employee against Jeff Maultsby, who has held the position since last year.

"This employee has expressed concerns through dialogue and emails to Superintendent Todd Bowden and the human resources department," according to a statement released by the school district. "Per protocol, the superintendent has documented the oral complaint in writing."

District officials said that a formal written complaint was subsequently filed by the same employee about the handling of the initial verbal complaint.

"Because the complaint is in regard to the actions of the superintendent and human resources department, the school board will determine a plan for resolution," district officials explained.

An outside firm will be retained to investigate the oral complaint. "Until the investigation is concluded, the school district is not able to comment further on these issues," according to the district statement, which did provide any details about either of the complaints.

Maultsby previously served as director of business and economic development with Sarasota County and was the county’s primary liaison, contract manager and administrative agent with the Economic Development Corporation of Sarasota County, Visit Sarasota County, the Arts and Cultural Alliance and the Sarasota County Fair Association.

Before joining Sarasota County Government, Maultsby was the director of field operations with the Cincinnati Reds where he was responsible for marketing, sales and business development for the Class A Affiliate Florida State League Sarasota Reds, Extended Spring Training, Gulf Coast and Florida Instructional Leagues. He also worked for the New York Mets and Los Angeles Dodgers.

His areas of responsibility with Sarasota County Schools includes facilities, construction, food and nutrition services, transportation, public safety, human resources, communications and community relations and long-range planning.