Sarasota Schools Chief Wants COO Fired Over 'Unbefitting' Conduct

SARASOTA, FL — Sarasota County schools chief Todd Bowden said Monday he will recommend termination of the district's chief operating officer and assistant superintendent over allegations of inappropriate texts and conduct "unbefitting" a district employee.

The complaint against Jeff Maultsby was filed by district employee Cheraina Bonner. It led to an investigation by Vicki Sproat of Sproat Workplace Investigations.

“After reviewing the entirety of the text messages exchanged between Mr. Maultsby and Ms. Bonner, and the transcripts and exhibits from each interview conducted by Ms. Sproat, it is clear Mr. Maultsby behaved inappropriately, and his actions are unbefitting of a school district employee," Bowden said in a statement. "As such, I have recommended his termination to the school board for review and approval on Nov. 19."

The superintendent did not immediately comment on a complaint filed against him and human resources executive Al Harayda over their handling of the initial complaint. Bowden said he planned to address that complaint at a special board meeting on Nov. 5.

"I will share in advance; however, that I disagree with the report findings and several conclusions made by Ms. Sproat," the superintendent said. "I look forward to delivering a full response to school board members next week."

School Board Chairwoman Jane Goodwin scheduled the Nov. 5 meeting to begin at noon to review the report and discuss findings with the superintendent.

Maultsby has 15 days to respond and appeal the decision. Bowden will formally notify the board of his intent to terminate Maultsby at the special meeting and request that Maultsby be suspended without pay.

"If there is not an appeal, the board will act on this recommendation during the Nov. 19 meeting," district officials said.

The initial complaint was filed verbally against Maultsby, who has held his position since last year.

District officials have said that a formal written complaint was later filed by Bonner about the handling of the initial verbal complaint.

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 as well as long-range planning.