(Richmond, VA) – In a 5-3 decision the State Board of Social Services suspended Ron Scearce until February 20th. Scearce who was on the county social services board as a liaison to the Pittsylvania Count Board of Supervisors raised concerns of a hostile work environment in the Social services department locally back in February.
After investigations both locally and from the state in regard to the claims the local social services board voted to terminate former director Sherry Flanagan in August. The investigation into Scearce’s conduct as a board member began Aug. 15 after Virginia Department of Social Services Director Duke Storen brought forward his concerns about Scearce, requesting for the state board to review the matter.
In a letter to the governor, Bob Warren Chairman of the Board of Supervisors wrote of his “grave concern and extreme disappointment” that the state board’s attempt to “supersede” the authority and local expertise of the county’s board of supervisors. He called Scearce “a fierce advocate” for the local department of social services’ clients and employees. “Mr. Scearce identified major problems with the PCDSS and the PCDSS Board and attempted to transparently fix them,” said Warren.