Northwestern investigating allegations against superintendent

Credit: DaytonDailyNews

The Northwestern Local Schools board of education is investigating allegations against its superintendent of unprofessional conduct, according to a statement from the board’s attorney.

“The superintendent is aware of the investigation and is not reporting to work to allow for a thorough and expeditious investigation,” the statement says. “Once the investigation has been completed, the board will take whatever action it deems is in the best interests of the district and the students it serves.”

Superintendent Jesse Steiner stopped reporting to work on Nov. 26, according to school board President Donna Myers. She declined to give any further details on the reason for the investigation.

Steiner couldn’t be reached for comment on Saturday.

He was hired by the district in June 2015 following the departure of Tony Orr who became superintendent of Hamilton City Schools.

Before coming to Northwestern, Steiner served as superintendent of Celina City Schools since 2012. Before that he was superintendent of the Hicksville Exempted Village district in Defiance County for two years.

High school principal Lori Swafford is second in command at the district and therefore will fill in for Steiner, Myers said.

Northwestern's long-time treasurer David Bollheimer announced his retirement in mid-November. He's been with the district for 27 years and will leave at the end of the month.

Editor’s note: An earlier version of this story incorrectly reported Superintendent Jesse Steiner’s work status.

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