Superintendent placed on paid leave

Humboldt School Superintendent Greg Darling has been placed on paid administrative leave, after action by the Humboldt School Board at their regular monthly meeting on Jan. 20.
The board voted 3-0 to immediately place Darling on paid leave, at the recommendation of the district’s legal counsel. Board members Suzanne Newton, Kristi Clark and Kathy Yoakam voted for the assignment. Board member Robert Myott was not present.
The action came five minutes after the start of the meeting before a packed board meeting room in the administration office. Board president Tate Satern later read a statement at the end of the meeting, stating the district would have a temporary superintendent in place soon.
“I do ask that the community respect the confidentiality of the issue that took place at the beginning of this meeting tonight. The board members will provide no further details at this point,” Satern said. “The length of this leave will be determined at a subsequent board meeting.”
“The district will immediately obtain alternative leadership so district business is not interrupted,” Satern said. “I can assure you that this action was not taken lightly and does not involve allegations of misconduct against students, misappropriation of funds or any other illegal activity.”

High School principal Lori Westhoff confirmed with the Independent on Wednesday morning that Jeff Herzberg, head of the Prairie Lakes AEA, is filling in as district superintendent while an interim superintendent is being sought.

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