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Residents press Crestwood School Board for details on superintendent separation and payouts
Summary
Residents used the public‑comment period to press the Crestwood School Board for details about a recently disclosed superintendent separation agreement, asking whether the person is on paid leave, questioning reported legal fees and urging greater transparency about total costs and benefits.
Residents pressed the Crestwood School Board on matters related to a recently disclosed superintendent separation agreement during public comment at the regular board meeting.
Several speakers asked whether the superintendent currently on leave is receiving paid leave and sought clarity about the total public cost, including legal fees, salary, retirement and health coverage. Brian Waite said a right‑to‑know request had already produced documents: "Someone did a right to know request so now it's out there," and asked directly, "Is that a paid leave?" David Green questioned a reported $10,000 in legal fees tied to the separation, calling the number "quite a bit excessive" and noting multiple Freedom of Information requests on the topic.
The board told residents it was constrained by legal advice and the terms of the separation agreement when discussing personnel matters in public, and that some timing and legal constraints limited what could be said at the meeting. A district representative also told the public that appropriate documents have been released via public records but that personnel discussions remain limited by privacy and legal counsel. Commenters said the information made public so far looked like a "golden parachute," and they asked for fuller disclosure of total costs, including whether leave is paid and how benefits would be handled through 2026.
Beyond legal fees and leave status, commenters raised broader governance concerns. Richard Nardone said the superintendent’s departure appeared to be the result of a targeted effort and described the situation as "in effect, a constructive discharge," urging the board to examine decision‑making and transparency practices.
Board members and administrators told the public they are following counsel and applicable law, and said documents appropriate for release have been provided. The board also said it would continue to work through personnel and legal processes consistent with its obligations.
Looking ahead, board officials said they expect to post the superintendent opening "within the next week or so" and to finalize the vetting process with stakeholder input. The board scheduled a capital budget special meeting and announced that the next regular board meeting will be held on May 21, 2026.
