Scottsdale school board to meet on fate of administrators on leave
Mar 20, 2018, 10:53 AM
(Neonbrand/Unsplash Photo)
PHOENIX — The Scottsdale Unified School District Governing Board has called a special meeting Tuesday to discuss legal issues related to the potential dismissal of two administrators.
The district’s agenda listed “Discussion and possible action to approve Severance Agreement” and “Discussion and possible actions regarding dismissal process” of Superintendent Denise Birdwell and Chief Business and Operations Officer Louis Hartwell.
Both have been placed on paid administrative leave while district finances on their watch are investigated.
The Arizona Attorney General’s Office has been looking into the business practices for conflicts of interest and possible favoritism, among other issues.
Birdwell has been away from work since Feb. 21, less than a month after Chief Financial Officer Laura Smith resigned in January because of questions of partiality in contracts that were awarded.
Amy Fuller was appointed as acting superintendent in late February.
Hartwell resigned in February but had planned to stay in his job until June 30. He also had been placed on leave.
Birdwell’s contract was scheduled to end June 2019.
Both have the option of eventually appealing if they are fired.
The executive session at Coronado High School was to start two hours before the group’s regularly scheduled 5 p.m. and won’t be open to the public.