THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1997, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Sunday, January 19, 1997 TAG: 9701190111
SECTION: LOCAL PAGE: B2 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: ASSOCIATED PRESS
DATELINE: RICHMOND LENGTH: 25 lines
The Richmond School Board has suspended superintendent Patricia C. Conn for 45 days with pay and is laying the groundwork to fire her, the Richmond Times-Dispatch reported Saturday, quoting sources.
In a two-page letter to Conn, the board cited her bidding of a contract without the board's knowledge and use of other funds the board was not apprised of, a source told the newspaper.
Conn is the fifth superintendent in Richmond since 1985. If she is fired with cause, the board would not have to pay the remainder of her contract, which calls for a $105,000 salary and $9,000 annuity.
Dr. Deborah Jewel-Sherman, a deputy superintendent hired by Conn shortly after she took the post 18 months ago, was named acting superintendent.
Conn said the panel's action surprised her, but told the newspaper, ``I am in good spirits. I know they don't have any grounds.''
Conn can appeal and request a hearing with the board, where she and her attorney can refute the board's findings.