State Board of Education President Resigns Amid Sex Abuse Allegations

By Russ O’Reilly
Altoona Mirror
January 26, 2013

http://ozarksfirst.com/fulltext?nxd_id=758912


Rev. Stan Archie, the President of the State Board of Education, tendered his resignation Friday. This comes after a lawsuit alleging child sexual abuse, defamation and counseling malpractice.

The Kansas City Star reports the lawsuit was filed by a Kansas City area woman who accuses Rev. Archie of encouraging her to be sexually promiscuous and tell him about her sexual experiences in counseling sessions beginning when she was 15. She says when she ended their relationship, he began harassing and defaming her. The suit also names the his church.

Gov. Jay Nixon announced Friday he accepted the Kansas City native's resignation. Archie represented the Fifth Congressional District on the Board of Education.

"Strengthening our public education system is a fundamental priority of my administration, and there are several key areas to address in the coming months," Governor Nixon said in his statement. "The State Board of Education will continue to have a crucial role in these matters, and it is important for the board to have a clear focus without distraction from its mission. I will be moving forward with consideration of a new appointment to this board."

Rev. Archie was appointed to the State Board in December 2006. He is senior pastor of the Christian Fellowship Baptist Church.

Peter F. Herschend -- founder and co-owner of Herschend Family Entertainment Corp., which owns Silver Dollar City -- currently serves as Vice President of the Board.

Contact: roreilly@altoonamirror.com