Fired Superintendent Seeks Return to Woodland Hills

The Woodland Hills School District faces renewed litigation as former superintendent Joe Maluchnik petitions for his reinstatement. His legal challenge seeks to overturn an August board decision that ended his employment over allegations of gender-based discrimination.

Maluchnik filed the appeal this week, arguing that the board’s findings are not supported by substantial evidence. He is requesting that he be reinstated for the remainder of his contract. Additionally, he is seeking back pay for the period beginning in March when the district placed him on unpaid leave.

The district responded that the claims in the appeal are without merit. Officials stated they will continue to defend the board’s decision to terminate his employment.

The conflict began in November 2025 when the district placed Maluchnik on leave without immediate explanation. He had been hired only months prior to lead the district. Questions emerged within the community regarding the sudden absence of the district’s top administrator.

State Rep. Abigail Salisbury noted that residents felt taxpayer dollars were funding two superintendent salaries. She mentioned public accusations from board members and community members regarding the spending of district funds. About a month later, it was reported that Maluchnik questioned past financial practices. Board member Darnika Reed described him as a whistleblower at the time.

KDKA-TV reported that Maluchnik raised concerns about several contracts shortly after taking the job. These included a multimillion-dollar contract to renovate Edgewood Elementary STEAM Academy. An investigation concluded in February found that he engaged in sex discrimination and harassed multiple female employees. It was also discovered that his former school district expected to settle with a female employee who accused him of sex discrimination.

The board voted to fire Maluchnik in August following a series of emotional hearings. The vote was 5 to 4. Board President Karen Lyons stated that the decision was about responsibility rather than revenge or politics. She said, 'You can laugh and scream, you can do whatever makes you feel is right, but I'll do what I feel is right.'

Crowds during the hearings largely supported Maluchnik. Sara Raszwski, a parent who testified in his favor, said she felt extremely disappointed and frustrated. She added that punishing a man who wanted to make the district better showed the board did not understand what they had done. A 10th-grade student present at the hearings called the accusations a joke and said the adults were acting like children.