Fired San Diego superintendent denies sexual misconduct claims

Driving the news: Jackson said Wednesday he "emphatically den[ies] the narrative that's being put forward" and he would "never act in the ways that are being alleged," in an interview with his attorney and the Union-Tribune — his first since being fired by the school board.

• He specifically denied making sexual advances and proposals to the two women, as well as ever having a sexual relationship with a district employee while he worked at the district, the U-T reported.
• Jackson also rebuffed having sexual relationships with women who were promoted under his leadership — allegations made in an anonymous letter sent to the district last year from a group of "concerned principals."

A district spokesperson said in a statement Tuesday that it did not investigate the allegations in that letter because they "were expressly based on rumors and speculation from third-party anonymous sources." But those claims were included in the recent external investigation.

Catch up quick: Jackson was fired without cause after an outside investigation initiated by the district substantiated the sexual misconduct allegations.

• Monika Hazel and Tavga Bustani also filed claims for legal damages against the school district in July, and the documents with new details were revealed earlier this week.
• Hazel and Bustani claim Jackson made repeated unwanted sexual overtures, while enticing them with potential promotions. Then, they say, they were demoted and essentially fired after they rejected Jackson, alleging quid pro quo sexual harassment, discrimination and more.
• The investigation did not find sufficient evidence that the women's firings were because they refused Jackson's advances or that he was promoting women for having sexual relations with him.

What he's saying: In a separate thank you letter to San Diego Unified students, families, educators and the broader community, Jackson reflected on the district's accomplishments under his leadership and further denied the allegations, NBC7 reported.

• "While I take considerable exception to the claims which have been made against me, it became clear that my continued service as a leader for the district would serve as an unnecessary and unwarranted distraction," he wrote.
• "I do want to state, in the clearest possible terms, that the information, including claims made available to the media, is hardly an accurate reflection of my interactions with these former employees. I am emphatic that the characterization of me is completely inaccurate."

Jackson could not be reached for comment through his attorney Thursday.

What's next: Jackson and his attorney don't dispute the school board's decision, and they are not planning to pursue legal action against the district, they told the U-T.

• Yes, but: They are expecting further litigation over the women's allegations against him.