Woodland Hills School Board Concludes Investigation into Former Superintendent

Findings expected to address superintendent's interactions with female employees in prior district

Published on Feb. 23, 2026

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The Woodland Hills school board has concluded an investigation into former Superintendent Joe Maluchnik, who was placed on administrative leave three months ago. The investigation's findings are expected to be presented to the board this week, with potential action to follow. Meanwhile, Maluchnik's prior school district, Wilkinsburg, is expected to settle a lawsuit with a female employee who accused Maluchnik of sex discrimination.

Why it matters

The Woodland Hills school district has been embroiled in controversy, with the school board president recently stepping down after criminal charges and a state audit launched into the district's finances. The investigation into the former superintendent adds to the turmoil, raising questions about his conduct and the district's handling of personnel issues.

The details

The investigation into former Woodland Hills Superintendent Joe Maluchnik has concluded, with the findings expected to be presented to the school board this week. Sources say the investigation concerns Maluchnik's interactions with at least one female employee. Meanwhile, Maluchnik's prior school district, Wilkinsburg, is expected to settle a lawsuit with a female employee who accused Maluchnik of sex discrimination, including claims that he gave stipends to male employees of equal standing but forced her to perform additional duties without compensation, and that he became threatening and verbally abusive when she filed a discrimination complaint.

  • Maluchnik was placed on administrative leave by the Woodland Hills school board three months ago, in November 2025.
  • The Wilkinsburg school board is expected to vote on a financial settlement with an unnamed employee at their meeting tomorrow night.

The players

Joe Maluchnik

Former superintendent of the Woodland Hills school district, who was placed on administrative leave three months ago. Maluchnik previously served as interim superintendent in the Wilkinsburg School District, where he is accused of sex discrimination against a female employee.

Terri Lawson

Former president of the Woodland Hills school board, who recently stepped down after being charged criminally with making $10,000 in unauthorized purchases on a Rankin Borough credit card.

Karen Lyons

Vice president of the Woodland Hills school board, who has stated that the investigation into Maluchnik will "squash all of this and put it all to rest." Lyons has also urged reporters to look into a 2017 lawsuit Maluchnik filed against the Greensburg Salem School District.

Brenda Coyle

A reading specialist in the Wilkinsburg School District who filed a federal lawsuit claiming that Maluchnik, while serving as interim superintendent there, gave stipends to male employees of equal standing but forced her to perform additional duties without compensation, and that he became threatening and verbally abusive when she filed a discrimination complaint.

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What they’re saying

“Take my word for it. There will be something that will come to the fore that will squash all of this and put it all to rest and then no one will have anything to say.”

— Karen Lyons, Vice President, Woodland Hills School Board

What’s next

The Woodland Hills school board is expected to review the findings of the investigation into former Superintendent Joe Maluchnik this week, with potential action to follow next week.

The takeaway

The ongoing turmoil in the Woodland Hills school district, including the investigation into the former superintendent and the criminal charges against the former school board president, highlights the need for greater transparency and accountability in the management of public school systems.