Dr. Gallien out as Charleston County superintendent; investigation finds no evidence of hostile work environment
CHARLESTON COUNTY, S.C. (WCIV) — After just under four months on the job, Dr. Eric Gallien is officially out as Charleston County School District's superintendent.
The change came during a special Board of Trustees meeting Friday morning.
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Watch the full special meeting and a press conference held by Movement 400 in the video above.
About a month prior to this meeting, Gallien had been placed on administrative leave pending investigation into a compliant accusing him of creating a hostile work environment.
Upon reconvening from executive session, the board said its investigation into Gallien concluded the complaint was unfounded.
Read More: CCSD board to hold special meeting Friday to discuss report on its investigation into Gallien
The investigation's final report- conducted by Attorney Allan Holmes of Gibbs & Holmes- was released to the public Friday.
The report concluded that Gallien did not create a hostile work environment, as was alleged in the complaint.
It did conclude however, Gallien violated a clear directive established by the board by significantly modifying the terms of the Executive Associate Superintendent's employment to her detriment.
The board passed a motion on May 18, 2023, under previous Superintendent Donald Kennedy, prohibiting the Superintendent from making "changes to the organizational chart of the central office without an explicit vote of the Board."
The investigation concludes Gallien violated that motion by changing the job of the Executive Associate Superintendent on July 11 to an Associate Superintendent-- reporting to William Briggman-- Chief Human Resources Officer.
The board voted to accept a proposed settlement agreement between CCSD and Gallien, including the resolution of the employment/contractual relationship.
"The Board of Trustees voted today to accept a mutual settlement agreement that has resulted in Dr. Eric Gallien’s decision to separate from employment with the Charleston County School District, effective immediately," district officials said in a statement released after the meeting.
The settlement can be read above.
It stipulates Gallien will be be paid 12-months of his current base salary on a twice-monthly basis. CCSD will also pay him $50,000 as non-wages and reimburse his attorney fees for $34,000.
Gallien agreed in the settlement to dismiss his prior legal action against the board.
Next Steps
Anita Huggins was named acting superintendent, effective immediately. District officials said she's been with CCSD for 26 years and previously served as deputy superintendent.
The board said it would discuss a new superintendent search in the new year.
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A CCSD spokesperson told News 4 last week that the previous search cost $48,872.26 through a search firm called BWP & Associates.
"We understand that this sequence of events has been very challenging for our community, and CCSD hopes that through open dialogue, we can move forward for the sake of the children in our district," district officials said in a statement Friday.
READ MORE:
- Lawsuit filed against individual Charleston County School District board members
- Rep. Jordan Pace organizes Thursday press conference in reference to CCSD board and alleged 'mayoral overstep'
- CCSD superintendent ends separation negotiations, citing community bonds
- CCSD students ask Board of Trustees to stop bringing politics to the classroom
- Community members continue to rally behind superintendent ahead of special-called CCSD board meeting
- Continued tension in CCSD following recent decision to uphold Dr. Eric Gallien's paid administrative leave