NEWBURGH – Dr. Roberto Padilla, the Newburgh Enlarged City School District’s controversial superintendent, was suspended from his job Friday night, according to sources close to the situation. The suspension comes just days after the board hired an investigator to examine claims of sexual harassment against a “high-ranking” district official.
Following a lengthy executive session conducted by the board of education with the “purpose: employment history of particular individuals and to obtain advice from legal counsel,” members voted to suspend the administrator with pay. His name was not specially mentioned. One member abstained and three members were absent.
According to sources, the action was taken amid allegations of inappropriate conduct toward a female subordinate.
As a result of the suspension, access to all school district electronic devices is turned off.
One week ago, the school board voted to hire an investigator to look into allegations that Padilla violated federal statutes. There is no word on the status of that investigation.
The board of education recently voted to grant Padilla a $30,000 a year raise.
