reference question

What is the name of your state (only U.S. law)? GA
This question is a follow-up to a question I posted a couple of weeks ago regarding a slanderous reference I received by my former employer (a high school principal).

I recently contacted my former employer's boss (superintendent of the schools) to request a chance to discuss with him the problem and to ascertain whether or not he might be willing to help me clear up the damage his employee has done to my name and my reference. I thought he would be interested in doing this because they are paying me unemployment and the county is terribly strapped for money, as many districts are currently. The Superintendent will not meet with me.

My question: Does the Superintendent of schools have any legal liability in this situation? Is he in any way responsible for the actions of his employee, the principal?
Thank in advance

Depends on the charter and his contract, but likely not.

He's afraid to respond because he's scared you are going to file a lawsuit anyway.

Talk to an employment law attorney about your rights and perhaps the attorney can intervene on your behalf to negotiate a compromise, acceptable solution to both sides where it is agreed in advance to what he will say when a reference check is done on you.