That’s when Steele began to investigate the complaints against Ross, which he determined began in 2002 and involved seven school employees.

The board fired Ross April 20 but didn’t name him at the time, citing legal advice that led them to believe they could withhold his name because of a confidentiality agreement. That resulted in the public’s demand to know who was fired and why.

Ross came forward on his own, saying he was wrongfully fired, a move that board members said broke the agreement, allowing them to say why he was fired.

Ross maintains his innocence and is appealing his termination, with hearings set for Wednesday and Thursday in Pittsburgh before the Labor Relations Board.