A former elementary school administrator has filed a federal gender discrimination lawsuit against the Punxsutawney Area School District, alleging she was intimidated out of pursuing a promotion and subjected to a hostile work environment.
According to WJAC News, former assistant principal Kelli L. Richardson withdrew her application for the district’s elementary principal position in 2025 after what she described as threatening conduct by a school board member during an uninvited visit to her home. The lawsuit claims female candidates were treated differently than male applicants and alleges the district later hired a less-qualified male candidate for the position.
Richardson is seeking compensatory damages, back pay and other relief. The district had not filed a response as of Friday.
