Marion County Superintendent Donna Heston sues Board of Education for defamation

Superintendent Dr. Donna Heston and human‑resources administrator Kristin DeVaul filed civil lawsuits in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of West Virginia against three members of the Marion County Board of Education—President James Saunders, Vice President Kevin Rogers and Co‑Vice President Donna Costello. The suits allege sex discrimination, a hostile work environment and defamation, claiming the board members spread false rumors that the two women were involved in an intimate relationship and used the accusations to undermine Heston’s contract renewal.

According to the plaintiffs’ attorney Ryan Umina, the board members repeatedly harassed the women, monitored their activities, and posted the false allegations on social media. The lawsuit also cites retaliation after the board declined to renew Heston’s contract earlier in the year, later granting only a one‑year extension. The plaintiffs seek damages and injunctive relief for the alleged misconduct.