Illinois superintendent accused of sexual harassment
DES PLAINES, Ill. (AP) - A northwest suburban Chicago school district says its superintendent is expected to resign next month amid allegations of sexual harassment.
Floyd Williams is accused of sexually harassing several women staff members at Des Plaines Elementary School District 62.
According to a statement from district spokeswoman Jennifer Bova, the district's Board of Education announced Wednesday that Williams would resign on Dec. 13. The board received complaints of inappropriate behavior and offensive comments by Williams that could be interpreted as sexual harassment, according to the statement.
"There were no allegations made of inappropriate physical contact," the board said.
The school board and Williams decided to "mutually separate" to avoid significant attorney fees, court costs and disruptions to the school community.
"To move forward with disciplinary action, including termination, based on such allegations would require witnesses to publicly come forward with specific charges and would be very costly to the District," the statement said.
Under an agreement, Williams will be paid his remaining workdays of the current school year and will receive payment for five vacation days. Williams has been on paid leave since Oct. 17.
According to the board's president, Williams has denied the allegations.
The Chicago Sun-Times couldn't reach Williams for comment Wednesday night. He has no phone listing in Des Plaines.
The board has appointed Associate Superintendent Paul Hertel to serve as interim superintendent through the 2018-19 school year.