District 62 president clarifies superintendent began paid leave Oct. 31

The Des Plaines Elementary District 62 school board president clarified Saturday a news release the district had send out Friday evening concerning the absence of Superintendent Floyd Williams.

The release said Williams has been on leave since Oct. 17, where district officials earlier had said he was working remotely.

In an email Saturday, board President Stephanie Duckmann said Williams "was working remotely through Oct. 30, and beginning Oct. 31 went on paid leave."

School board members deliberated behind closed doors on a personnel issue for more than three hours Oct. 30, taking no action after emerging from executive session and adjourning until another special meeting scheduled for 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 8.

Duckmann declined to comment at that time on whether the meeting was about Williams or whether Williams' absence is voluntary or imposed, calling it a "private matter."

In her email Saturday, she said, "Associate Superintendent Dr. Paul Hertel has been and will continue to lead day-to-day operations during this time. ... Should there be any changes to Dr. Williams status with the district following the Nov. 8 board meeting, we will communicate with parents and staff."