ORANGE : District Officials’ Hearings Begin Today

Hearings to determine the professional futures of three top administrators with the Orange Unified School District accused of sexual harassment begin today.

At least 10 more hearings have been scheduled this month, the outcome of which will determine whether one administrator will be fired and two others demoted. Because the three chose to have closed hearings, the public may not attend.

Deputy Supt. Richard L. Donoghue, Chief Fiscal Officer Joyce Capelle and Howard Mason, director of maintenance operations and transportation, face disciplinary actions following a monthlong investigation into sexual harassment in the school district conducted in the fall. Based on the findings of the investigation, the school board voted to initiate steps to fire Donoghue and demote Capelle and Mason.

Donoghue, 48, is accused of inappropriate touching of employees, distributing lewd materials and using sexually offensive language in the workplace.

Mason, 45, and Capelle, 39, are accused of immoral conduct, intimidation and creation of a hostile work environment.

Donoghue has not returned to work, being placed on “home assignment” in late November. Officials will not say whether he is still being paid.

The three have denied the allegations and have filed a $60-million lawsuit against the district, its attorneys, interim Supt. Marilyn Corey and two unnamed board members. The suit alleges, among other things, defamation, invasion of privacy and breach of contract.

Because the hearings regard a personnel matter, officials and attorneys associated with the case would not provide further details.