By AP/KWMU
Ferguson, MO – The superintendent of Riverview Gardens School District was suspended indefinitely Wednesday night. The district school board put Henry Williams on paid leave.
Williams' lawyer says the move was done illegally. Two assistant superintendents will serve as co-interim superintendents.
The past year at Riverview Gardens has seen controversy over the firing of a popular principal, questions over the district's finances, and an election in April in which the board majority shifted from being supportive of Williams to critical.
The decision came in closed session. Williams supporters say the board should have discussed the situation and voted in a public meeting.
Several former district employees have said Williams fired them after they complained about district spending or other actions. Last month, state Auditor Claire McCaskill announced plans for an audit of the district.