SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. - The governing board of the Scottsdale Unified School District placed Superintendent Dr. Denise Birdwell on a temporary paid administrative leave of absence Wednesday.
The move comes amid financial scandals at the district and a protest last week demanding her ouster.
Since Dr. Birdwell took over in January 2016, the district has been plagued with one controversy after another. The Scottsdale School District is in the middle of two investigations right now. One is by the district hired attorney and another by the Arizona Attorney General's Office.
There are ethical concerns over how construction contracts were arranged and questions regarding conflict of interest.
A statement released by the district Wednesday did not elaborate on why Birdwell was placed on leave.
"At a Special Governing Board meeting held on February 21, 2018, the Governing Board determined that it was in the best interest of the Scottsdale Unified School District to place Superintendent Dr. Denise Birdwell on a temporary paid administrative leave of absence. As this is an ongoing personnel matter, no further details can be shared at this time."
