READ MORE: Northwestern superintendent supporter: Investigation unfair
The Springfield News-Sun reached out to each of the district’s board members, treasurer and Acting Superintendent Lori Swafford to find out more about why Steiner was placed on paid leave or if the district has a plan moving forward.
New board member Leigh Taylor, who joined the board at the beginning of the year, said she didn’t have a comment and referred questions to board President Andy Gundolf. Gundolf didn’t respond to emails or phone calls from the Springfield News-Sun seeking comment.
Neither Swafford nor any of the district’s other board members responded to emails seeking comment either. District Treasurer Julie Gibson had nothing to add.
“Presently, there is not a letter or other documentation that is responsive to this request,” Gibson said in response to a public records request from the Springfield News-Sun.
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Steiner makes more than $125,000 a year, according to his personnel file. The Springfield News-Sun reached out to his family, who declined comment.
During the December school board meeting where the board of education placed Steiner on paid leave, Gundolf said the investigation wasn’t of a sexual or criminal nature.
“The board focused on Mr. Steiner’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,” Gundolf said, speaking on behalf of the board.
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It remains unclear if Steiner has been made aware of the allegations against him. The district was unable to provide any public documents showing it has informed Steiner.
Many people have attended regular board meetings and have asked why Steiner was put on paid leave.
“If they made a decision, let our superintendent know so we as a community can move on,” said David Bischoff, a community member and a parent of a Northwestern student.
Jay Skrabacz, a district parent and friend of Steiner’s, told the board during a public comment part of a meeting that he believed 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,” Skrabacz said. “The kids love him.”
Steiner’s personnel file has a positive evaluation completed in August. He did a good job executing the district’s strategic plan, the review says.
“We feel that you have engaged well with the board in an open and consistent manner while working toward district initiatives,” it says.
That same review also reminded Steiner to keep interactions with staff professional.
“It is our expectation that all communications and interactions with teachers and staff are handled in a way that is professional and respectful at all times,” the evaluation says. “Disagreements with staff always need to be handled in a professional and private manner.”
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