Suspended West Jefferson Hills School District Superintendent Terry Kinavey will face charges of incompetency, immorality, intemperance, and neglect of duty at a termination hearing before the school board sometime after a new board is seated next month.

The four charges leveled against Mrs. Kinavey are among those listed as "reasons for dismissal" in the state School Code, said district Solicitor Ira Weiss. The immorality charge, he said, refers to the nature of her conduct, and not personal behavior.

While refusing to elaborate on the charges, he said an employee can be discharged if found guilty by a majority of the board on any charge.

At the hearing, both sides will present their cases. It will be up to the board to decide if the evidence supports termination.

The decision on whether the proceedings are open or closed to the public will rest with Mrs. Kinavey, said Mr. Weiss.

Mrs. Kinavey has three-and-a-half years remaining on a five-year contract.

Michael A. Palumbo was appointed as special counsel and hearing officer for the board. He will conduct the hearing.

The board also voted to hire Dr. Carl DeJulio as an expert witness for the district regarding employment matters related to Mrs. Kinavey.

Dr. DeJulio retired as superintendent of the Keystone Oaks School District in 2005.

Mr. Weiss' investigation into Mrs. Kinavey began on Aug. 25 after 100 people turned out at a board meeting demanding to know why long-time district substitute Denise Breisinger was not hired for an English and reading job at the high school.

According to a statement read by board President Marianne Neel at the Sept. 22 board meeting, Mrs. Kinavey, after removing Mrs. Breisinger's name, rewrote the job description and reposted the job.

Mrs. Kinavey was placed on leave, and Mrs. Bresinger was hired.

Payment of Mrs. Kinavey's $124,000 annual salary plus benefits, which she has been receiving since being placed on administrative leave Sept. 22, ends today.

Mr. Weiss' investigation ended two to three weeks ago, after which he advised the board there was sufficient reason to proceed.

Mrs. Kinavey was assistant to the superintendent when the board appointed her superintendent July 1, 2008.

Substitute superintendent Terrence Kushner was appointed Oct. 6.

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