EXCLUSIVE: School Superintendent Hatchett 'working from home'
Board has not fired her, contrary to reports
BEREA — The Berea Independent School District has asked Superintendent Diane Hatchett, PhD, to continue working, but from home, according to a source at the District.
Other outlets have reported Hatchett has stepped down, but multiple sources have confirmed to The Edge that the District’s social media message, below, does not indicate Hatchett has been fired or has resigned, although that might still occur.
“She’s still here, but has been advised to work from home,” said one source, whose name The Edge is withholding.
The “leadership” referred to in the post are member of the Board, according to multiple sources who confirmed this with The Edge.
Currently, the Board has three options, according to sources. They can terminate Dr. Hatchett’s contract, but that would require a minimum 60 day investigation. They could also buy out Hatchett’s contract. Hatchett’s combined annual salary is $152,784.00, according to state records (see below, item 34, line 16). A bonus was estimated to be about $5,860.
Lastly, the Board could choose to let Hatchett complete her contract, which expires at the end of June this year.
The Board will hold a special called meeting next Monday, March 31, at 7:00 PM in the Kennedy Theater of Community School. The public agenda is still pending, and has yet to be published. Check the District’s website for updates. A closed session to discuss personnel matters will follow the public portion of the Board meeting.
This is a developing story. The Edge is continuing to report.
Update: This report was updates at 2:21 PM on Wednesday, March 26, 2025 to reflect that Superintendent Hatchett has neither been fired, nor resigned as of this date. The initial report did not include “resigned”.