An employee of the Kern County Superintendent of Schools has filed a lawsuit alleging harassment, racial and gender discrimination, and retaliation. Candace Neal claims she was demoted and intimidated by Superintendent John Mendiburu. Neal is the Director of the Developer Fee Joint Powers Authority and is the first African American and woman to hold the position. She says she was uninvited to meetings, denied opportunities, and intentionally kept uninformed about work projects. Court documents allege that instead of addressing her concerns, Mendiburu mocked and belittled her and called her entitled. The superintendent’s office says it can’t comment on the issue because it’s a personnel matter but adds a review of the case will confirm Neil’s claims are without merit.