Panel rules against suspending embattled Cherokee County school board member

CHEROKEE COUNTY, Ga. — A three-person panel has decided that embattled Cherokee County School Board member Kelly Marlow should not be suspended from her post.

The panel, appointed by Gov. Nathan Deal after Marlow was indicted on charges of lying to police, made its recommendation to Deal after an hour-long hearing Thursday during which Marlow’s attorney and the prosecutor in the case argued against and for suspension.

Deal’s office released a statement saying the panel’s decision is final.

That decision is a big victory for Marlow, who was elected last year and has sparred with Cherokee County Superintendent Frank Petruzielo and other members of the school board.

Marlow alleged that Petruzielo attempted to run her and two of her acquaintances down with his car after a contentious school board meeting in June. She and those acquaintances still face criminal charges stemming from the case.

But the panel’s ruling means Marlow will not be suspended from office while the case moves forward.

WSBTV