SPRINGFIELD — The Northwestern Local Schools superintendent was placed on administrative leave tonight following an investigation one parent called a “witch hunt.” The Board of Education voted 3-1 to place Superintendent Jesse Steiner on paid leave.
They said the investigation was finished, but would not reveal what they found.
“The board focused on Mr. Steiener’s alleged misconduct when interacting with others on the job and whether or not he was maintaining the high standards of professional conduct we expect from staff,” member Andy Gundolf said, speaking on behalf of the board.
Steiner makes more than $125,000 a year, according to his personnel file.
Many people attended the regular board meeting Thursday at the Northwestern Elementary School library, including Steiner’s wife and two daughters.
“If they made a decision, let our superintendent know so we as a community can move on,” David Bischoff said.
Jay Skrabacz told the board during the public comment part of the meeting that he felt they were being unfair and called the investigation a “witch hunt.” “When you look at Mr. Steiner, he has done amazing things for this district.
He reads to gradeschool kids on a weekly basis.
He’s here all the time," he said.
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