Merced City School District Superintendent Al Rogers was placed on paid administrative leave last week following a series of complaints made against him.
The Merced City School District Board of Education unanimously voted to temporarily remove Rogers from his position during a special meeting on Friday, although the nature of the allegations are unclear.
“The Board’s decision to place the Superintendent on administrative leave does not reflect whatsoever any determination about the merits of the complaints,” board president Birdi Olivarez-Kidwell said in a statement.
A third-party investigator will examine the allegations as part of a process that the board expects to be fair, thorough and prompt.
Deputy Superintendent Doug Collins has been tasked with filling in for Rogers during his absence.
The board expects Rogers to be on leave for at least several weeks.
“We understand that placing the Superintendent on leave creates questions in the minds of many; however, we ask that everyone respect the need for confidentiality and due process, not speculate, and not jump to conclusions,” Olivarez-Kidwell said. “This decision will not impact the quality and delivery of education and services for our students.
“We appreciate everyone’s patience and we ask that everyone focus on the District’s mission: educating the children of our community.”
