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Federal Hocking Superintendent Jason Spencer has resigned following months of disputes with teachers and staff

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STEWART, Ohio (WOUB) – Federal Hocking Superintendent Jason Spencer has resigned.

Spencer was not present at Tuesday’s special board meeting where the board accepted his resignation, effective June 25. Lindy Douglas was named as interim superintendent until further action is taken.

Spencer sparked controversy back in April when he suggested the nonrenewal of High School Principal Jake Amlin’s contract. The board voted 4-1 not to renew the contract, prompting a student walk-out in protest. 

Spencer’s recommendation came following months of disputes with Amlin. In August, following the death of Federal Hocking teacher Laurie Torrence, Amlin requested in an email to the board that school not start that Monday. Spencer believed Amlin cc’d the board in an effort to “undermine his leadership,” and verbally reprimanded Amlin.

Superintendent Dr. Jason Spencer sits at a table at a Federal Hocking board meeting.
Federal Hocking Superintendent Jason Spencer has resigned following months of disputes with teachers and staff. [Theo Peck-Suzuki | WOUB/Report for America]
Spencer had tried to leave the district once before. Following a dispute with teachers regarding his cancellation of multiple field trips last fall, he requested a separation agreement, citing what he described as a “hostile work environment.”

Before Tuesday’s meeting, members of the public were not made aware of the resignation.

“I was obviously shocked to learn about this,” said Dan Vorisek, who attended the meeting. “But this has been needed — it’s been time to turn the page for months.”

“I don’t think he was capable of running the school district,” Vorisek continued. “He did not represent our school district. I’m sure many of us feel relieved.” 

Following the resignation, the Federal Hocking Board of Education and Jason Spencer released a joint statement that reads in part:

“This decision reflects a shared understanding and respect for the evolving needs of the district and Superintendent Spencer’s desire to be closer to his family in pursuing other professional opportunities closer to home. Both parties believe this transition will allow the district to move forward in a positive and productive manner, continuing its commitment to educational excellence and community engagement.”

The board is set to meet again July 15.