Shepherd Schools Superintendent Scott Carter has been placed on paid administrative leave pending a review of allegations he violated district policy, School Board Chairman Carl Openshaw said in a statement on the high school's Facebook page.
Neither students nor staff were ever at risk, Openshaw wrote. The decision to place Carter on leave was made Thursday.
The board will appoint a temporary superintendent in the interim and respect Carter's privacy rights during the suspension, according to Openshaw.
The board will provide updates as "event require and the employee's privacy rights permit," Openshaw wrote.
Here's Openshaw's entire statement:
"Yesterday the Shepherd School District Board of Trustees placed Superintendent Scott Carter on administrative leave with pay, pending a review of allegations the he engaged in conduct that violated School District policy. At no time was there any risk to the safety of the students or staff. During Mr. Carter’s absence, the Board of Trustees will appoint a temporary Superintendent to ensure there is minimal disruption to the delivery of education services to students in the school. The School District will honor Mr. Carter’s privacy rights during this period. Further public updates will be provided as events require and the employee’s privacy rights permit."
The suspension comes at a trying time for the district. Shepherd school buildings were pummeled during the Aug. 11 hail storm that swept through Yellowstone County, and Carter has estimated repairs could take up to 18 months.
In addition, the district is asking voters in the Sept. 10 primary election for about $12 million in two separate bonds to pay for major improvements to the high school and elementary school.
Q2 News could not reach Carter for comment Friday night.
