BELLFLOWER : School Chief Resigns Amid Sexual Harassment Claims

Bellflower School Supt. George H. Bloch, who was placed on leave two weeks ago amid accusations of sexual harassment, resigned Wednesday. The board immediately promoted an assistant superintendent to replace him.

On July 8, the board placed Bloch on paid leave from his $92,700-a-year position but would not discuss the action, saying only that it was a personnel matter. However, sources in the district said several top administrators had accused Bloch of verbal sexual harassment. Neither the nature of the accusations nor the identities of the alleged victims could be determined.

Bloch could not be reached for comment. His attorney, Bill Shaeffer, said Bloch denies the allegations.

School board members declined to discuss the matter except to express relief about Bloch’s voluntary departure. They announced that they had promoted Rebecca J. Turrentine, 46, assistant superintendent of instruction, to take over the district’s top post. She will be paid $98,000 a year. Bloch will continue to receive his salary until Jan. 21 and health benefits until Sept. 30, 1994.