By Kevin Lavery, KWMU
St. Louis – A St. Louis school board member at the center of months of controversy has been removed.
Friday, St. Louis Circuit Judge David L. Dowd ruled to remove Rochell Moore from the board, saying she displayed "a pattern of outrageous behavior and a course of conduct that involves threats and acts of physical violence" against other board members.
Dowd said Moore displayed gross misconduct, which under state law is grounds for removal from public office.
School board president Darnetta Clinkscale praised Dowd's move.
"I want to say thanks to the judge for making that decision. My prayer is that we can move forward and get past the distractions."
In a written statement, St. Louis mayor Francis Slay said he will immediately begin interviewing candidates to replace Moore and expects to make a decision "very quickly."