Former Milford athletic director Aaron Zupka has filed a civil lawsuit against the district and its human resources director, alleging false accusations cost him his job and damaged his career.
The lawsuit, reported by Local 12, marks a significant escalation in a dispute that has stretched nearly a year. Zupka was placed on administrative leave in November 2025 and suspended without pay while the district pursued termination after seven accusations, including claims that he misused funds and failed to report potential child abuse, according to the station's reporting.
In his lawsuit, Zupka disputes allegations that he misused $91,000 in sponsorship money and a separate $40,000 payment.
The filing comes nearly three weeks after hearing referee Robert T. Dunlevey Jr. recommended Zupka be reinstated. Dunlevey issued that recommendation after a two-day hearing in August, concluding the district did not establish good and just cause for termination, according to earlier Local 12 reporting.
The referee found the evidence did not show Zupka misappropriated Cullen Electric sponsorship funds directed to the Milford Athletic Boosters, a separate nonprofit. He also rejected a district allegation involving a $40,000 TriHealth payment connected to Beacon Orthopedics, finding Zupka's invoice followed directions from the superintendent and treasurer.
Dunlevey's report did identify lesser violations. Zupka accepted two hockey tickets from a sponsor, improperly shared student meal-eligibility information and showed a lapse in judgment regarding a concern about a coach. But the referee determined none of those rose to the level required for termination, reporting no finding of intentional wrongdoing, personal financial gain or harm to a student or family.
The Milford Board of Education has not yet acted on the reinstatement recommendation. The district said it will review the hearing record, the referee's findings and the recommendation before deciding whether to accept or reject it.
