The Lee's Summit Board of Education announced on Thursday night that Superintendent David McGehee has been put on administrative leave.
The announcement came hours after Board President Terri Harmon stepped down from her leadership position.
Many parents are fed up with McGehee and members of the board following the superintendent's contract signing and relationship with an attorney who provides legal work for the school district.
"We're asking for his resignation. You know, it's an embarrassment to everybody in this community," said Lee's Summit parent Leigh Ann Hall regarding McGehee.
Many in the community are furious after finding out the school board approved a new contract for McGehee that would make him the highest paid superintendent in the state.
"Salaries have been frozen. Programs in the schools have been frozen. So we don't understand, and those are questions we want answered," said Hall.
Harmon signed off on the deal to pay McGehee a base salary of $304,300 per year, plus an additional $60,857 in differed money. It's a deal the community says was behind closed doors.
"The leadership right now is extremely sarcastic and seems to be above sharing information with us," said Pam Hatcher, a Lee's Summit parent who's helped organize a Political Action Committee (PAC) to remove McGehee and Harmon from the school district.
Harmon released a statement which read in part:
"I believe my decision to step aside and allow another board member to assume the president’s role is in the best interest of our students and staff as it will hopefully give our seven-member board the opportunity to heal and return to a professional and positive climate.
“I categorically deny any allegations that have been made about my conduct as a board member or as the president of the board. I welcome any investigation, as it would demonstrate my commitment to the laws of this state and the policies of our school district.
“I also would like to encourage everyone to read beyond social media posts and be cautious of information that is not backed by facts from reputable sources. Unfortunately, there are many statistics and statements being presented through social media that simply are not true.”
Guin Mundorf also decided to cut ties with the school district this week after added pressure. Many have cited an inappropriate relationship with McGehee and his girlfriend, Shellie Guin, who is one of the school district's attorneys at the firm.
Guin Mundorf wrote the following to the Lee's Summit R-7 Board of Education on May 17:
"At this time, external factors are impeding our ability to effectively assist LSR7 in accomplishing that mission. We recognize that these factors are outside the Board’s control. However, we have determined that it is in the best interest of LSR7 and our firm to respectfully decline to accept further legal work from the district."
The school district released this chart which they say shows only a very slight pay increase for McGehee compared to the districts' teachers.
41 Action News requested interviews with all school board members, along with McGehee. No calls were returned.
On Thursday evening, dozens of Lee's Summit residents held a rally before the Board of Education meeting.
One man, Robert Weeks, even decorated his car and a T-shirt with message calling for the resignation of David McGehee.
One man shows up to @cityofLS Board of Education meeting with decorated car, shirt pic.twitter.com/AXO7SlCC05
— Tom Dempsey (@KCTomDempsey) May 19, 2016
"There are a lot of teachers having to pay for materials and supplies for the classroom while this guy [McGehee] is making $400,000 a year," explained Weeks.
The announcement regarding McGehee being put on administrative leave came within minutes after the Board of Education meeting started. Crowd members gave a loud applause in response.
On Thursday night, board member Terri Harmon faced much criticism. About half a dozen people spoke to the crowd and the board requesting Harmon resign from her post.
Testy moment during @cityofLS Board of Education meeting pic.twitter.com/pa5EQxS7fw
— Tom Dempsey (@KCTomDempsey) May 20, 2016
Man gives fiery speech calling on @cityofLS Board of Education members to resign pic.twitter.com/YZT0l0I1pv
— Tom Dempsey (@KCTomDempsey) May 20, 2016
"Ms. Harmon, you are an inept leader and must step down, not step aside," said one woman who spoke for three minutes at the meeting.
It is unknown how long McGehee will be on administrative leave.
The superintendent was not available for comment on Thursday night, as he did not show up to the meeting.
With an uncertain end to the controversy, parents hope a solution comes soon.
"This is about the kids," said one woman to board members. "This is not about the taxpayers, the school board, or Dr. McGehee. It's about the kids."
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Josh Helmuth can be reached at josh.helmuth@kshb.com
Tom Dempsey can be reached at Tom.Dempsey@KSHB.com.
