BUFFALO, N.Y. — Supporters for a Buffalo school principal who has been suspended for almost a year gathered outside of Wednesday’s Board of Education committee meeting.

Crystal Boling-Barton was removed from McKinley High School last May, following an investigation into several allegations of misconduct.

Barton was initially placed on paid leave after she was accused of prohibiting LGBTQ students from starting an after school club and from bringing same sex dates to prom.

Backed by the NYCLU, a student eventually filed a suit against Barton and the district.

That matter was settled last September, but the district kept Barton on leave after allegations that she misused $22,000 of school funds came about.

According to Barton’s lawyer, Robert Borenaz, any money she spent was used properly, to buy African art for the school’s well known African American history displays.

He adds that Barton has receipts for everything.

Borenaz claims there’s a more sinister reason that this investigation has dragged out, while Superintendent Dr. Kriner Cash defended the investigation

“I think the superintendent would prefer her not to be back at work doing the good things she does for the students at McKinley and the community at large,” Borenaz said.

“Do you want justice and accuracy or do you want a quick investigation? Because at the federal level, it takes the time that it takes,” said Dr. Cash.

Borenaz says the law is vague in regards to how long they can keep her on paid leave, but adds that he’ll keep putting on legal pressure to hopefully force the district’s hand.