The former McGuffey School District superintendent has surrendered his education certificates in lieu of discipline stemming from harassment allegations.

The state Department of Education last week posted on its Web site the action against Anthony Burger. The action was taken July 31.

Dr. Burger was fired in January 2001 over allegations he sexually harassed a female subordinate.

His appeal of his firing went to the state Supreme Court, which last year ruled that school boards do not have unfettered authority to fire their superintendents and sent the case back to a county judge.

The high court said that state law requires a hearing and finding of "neglect of duty, incompetency, intemperance or immorality" before a superintendent is fired.

Dr. Burger's administrative assistant maintained that she was demoted and treated more harshly after she rejected repeated overtures he made toward her.

Attorney Paul Lalley, who represented the district, declined to comment on the status of the case.