ST. LOUIS — The Ferguson-Florissant School District superintendent was placed on administrative leave effective immediately as two former employees are suing the school district for sexual harassment and discrimination.
The lawsuits were filed by Cedric Gerald, former principal at McCluer High School, and Frank Williams, former principal at McCluer North High School.
The lawsuits alledge Superintendent Joseph Davis of sexual harassment and discrimination.
The school board voted at a special closed meeting Saturday to place Davis on administrative leave effective immediately, pending an investigation regarding personnel matters, according to an online letter from the district.
The board plans to hire an external party to conduct an independent investigation.
Dr. Joycelyn Pugh-Walker, executive director of Federal Programs, and Brent Mitchell, assistant superintendent of Support Services, have been appointed as co-acting superintendents.
“While Superintendent Dr. Joseph Davis is on administrative leave, we want you to know that your children remain in the hands of a capable, dedicated team of teachers, staff, and school leaders who are deeply committed to their success,” a joint statement from the co-acting superintendents reads.