CIRCLEVILLE, Ohio — The Pickaway County Board of Developmental Disabilities announced that Superintendent Marie Wilbanks has been placed on paid administrative leave, effective immediately, following a special board meeting held last night.
The decision comes after board members received a series of anonymous allegations last week. In response, the Board has voted to launch an independent, third-party investigation into the matter.
Allegations Do Not Involve Client Safety or Staff
In a message sent directly to parents, guardians, and individuals served by the agency, the Board explicitly clarified the boundaries of the investigation to ease public concern.
According to agency officials, the anonymous allegations:
- Do not involve the safety, health, or well-being of individuals served by Pickaway DD.
- Do not involve any other County Board employees.
- Primarily concern matters outside the direct scope of official, day-to-day Board operations.
Despite the outside nature of the complaints, the Board stated that a formal review is necessary to ensure the integrity of leadership. “The Board believed it was important and appropriate to review any allegations that could potentially relate to the responsibilities of the Superintendent position,” the Board said in a statement.
External Legal Investigation and Interim Leadership
To ensure a thorough and objective review, the Board is retaining an outside law firm to handle the investigation. Board members emphasized their dedication to maintaining community trust during the probe, stating, “As a Board, we remain committed to being as transparent as possible whenever information can legally and responsibly be shared.”
To maintain administrative stability, the Board is currently finalizing the appointment of an interim superintendent, with an announcement expected shortly.
In the immediate interim, Amanda Fay, the agency’s Director of Business, Finance, and Operations, has stepped in to oversee day-to-day administrative functions.
No Interruption to Local Services
The Board emphasized that countywide services, public programming, and individual care plans will remain completely unaffected by the sudden shakeup at the top of the organization.
“Most importantly, we want families to know that the services and supports provided to individuals served by the County Board will continue uninterrupted,” the Board reassured families. “The health, wellbeing, and support of the individuals and families we serve remain our highest priority.”
