Suspended West Jefferson Hills Superintendent Terry Kinavey has filed a federal lawsuit against the school board and district solicitor Ira Weiss, contending that the district's attempts to fire her have no basis and that the termination hearing being conducted for her is inappropriate.

Mrs. Kinavey was suspended with pay by the West Jefferson Hills board Sept. 22 after allegations that she improperly intervened in the hiring of an English and reading teacher at Thomas Jefferson High School. After an investigation by Mr. Weiss, authorized by the school board, Mrs. Kinavey was suspended without pay, pending termination on Nov. 17.

A termination hearing began on Jan. 10 and has continued through seven sessions, with the eighth session set for 5 p.m. Monday.

In addition to charges involving the hiring process, Mrs. Kinavey is accused by the district of plagiarizing other educators when writing district documents. The suit said all of the district's charges lack merit.

The lawsuit, filed today by attorney Ernest DeHaas, contends that because Mr. Weiss and some board members were involved in the investigation against her, Mrs. Kinavey was never given the opportunity to explain her actions to "an unbiased tribunal" before being suspended.

The suit said Mrs. Kinavey had "sole responsibility" to make recommendations on the hiring of teachers and in all of her evaluations with the district was rated satisfactory or better.

The lawsuit also contends that it is inappropriate for Mr. Weiss to conduct the investigation, act as prosecutor in the termination hearing and appear as a witness.

Mrs. Kinavey became superintendent on July 1, 2008, and was given a five-year contract.

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