School administrator Kenneth Turnage II has been accused of workplace bullying for moving a subordinate’s desk onto a roof at the Antioch Unified School District. The incident, which occurred last year, was seen as an attempt to humiliate the employee after he questioned a task assigned by Turnage. Several other district employees have come forward to claim that Turnage is a known bully who benefits from his close relationship with the superintendent, Stephanie Anello, and her husband, the former police chief. School board president Antonio Hernandez has called for a special meeting to discuss Anello’s removal due to the poor judgment in keeping Turnage in his position.
Turnage, Anello, and her husband have not yet commented on the accusations of workplace bullying. Anello remained silent during a recent board meeting when questioned about Turnage’s actions. This is not the first time Turnage has been in the spotlight for controversial remarks. Four years ago, as the chairman of Antioch’s planning commission, he made comments on Facebook about Covid-19 that sparked national outrage. He suggested that allowing the virus to spread could be beneficial, as it would eliminate the sick, old, and injured population, as well as potentially reduce the burden on society and resources.
The allegations against Turnage have brought attention to the importance of school district culture and climate, with trustee Jag Lathan emphasizing that staff safety is paramount and bullying behaviors are unacceptable. The incident involving the relocation of a desk to a roof has been described as beyond the pale by Lathan and other board members. The move to potentially remove Anello from her position stems from the belief that her poor judgment in retaining Turnage has led to an unsafe and hostile workplace environment for employees. The school board is taking action to address the situation and ensure accountability for those involved.
The exposure of Turnage’s alleged bullying behavior has shed light on larger issues within the Antioch Unified School District, particularly in terms of leadership and workplace culture. The connection between Turnage and the superintendent’s family has raised concerns about favoritism and lack of oversight, leading to calls for Anello’s removal from her position. Anello’s failure to address the situation during a public meeting has only added fuel to the fire, prompting further scrutiny of her leadership abilities. The school board is facing pressure to take decisive action to address the allegations and restore a sense of safety and respect within the district.
The impact of Turnage’s actions and the subsequent fallout have prompted discussions about the need for accountability and transparency in educational leadership. The school district must address any instances of bullying or inappropriate behavior to ensure a positive and inclusive work environment for all staff members. The situation serves as a reminder of the responsibility that leaders hold in fostering a culture of respect and professionalism within educational institutions. Moving forward, it will be crucial for the school board to take decisive action to address the allegations and restore trust within the community. The incident serves as a cautionary tale about the consequences of unchecked workplace bullying and the importance of holding individuals accountable for their actions.
