The attorney for the Decatur High School media clerk placed on paid administrative leave last week divulged on Thursday a list of alleged infractions that led to the woman initially being fired.
David Hughes said Susan Riley allegedly took home an iPad purchased for her and checked out in her name, failed to follow her new manager’s job plan for her, complained about how co-workers treated her and talked about the fact that she had filed a complaint. Hughes said that list was given in a meeting he attended with Riley and Superintendent David Dude.
Riley been fired Friday, but after an outcry by teachers, parents and students on social media, Dude rescinded the termination and said there would be an independent review of the case. She is now on paid administrative leave.
In a presss release, Hughes also mentioned a reclassification that would have given Riley more responsibility and pay, approved by the previous administration, that never happened.
“The reason given (Wednesday) by (City Schools of Decatur) for Riley’s initial termination is not credible,” Hughes wrote. “Instead, it is a mere pretext to cover for the harassment and discrimination inflicted upon her. Now that Dude has suspended the termination, Ms. Riley is hopeful that the administration will do the right thing and restore her former job, with the reclassification she was promised.”
Late Thursday afternoon, City Schools of Decatur said in a statement that there were several “material inaccuracies” in Hughes’ release, which it did not specify.
Dude said Thursday he had no idea Hughes intended to release a statement and said he would not respond to it point by point. “I just met with” school board members Garrett Goebel and Annie Caiola “and we’ve decided not to correct what’s out there,” Dude said. “I don’t want to engage publicly in this matter. I’m committed to ensuring we have an impartial review.”
He may name the reviewer by Friday, though he said it’s more likely to be next week. He said the reviewer’s role would be that of an adviser and Dude would make the final “decision on how to move forward.
“Foremost,” he added, “I want to get Susan’s situation resolved as soon as possible. But after that, this could wind up involving things and people beyond Susan.” Dude said part of his change of heart on her firing had to do with the scope of the investigation, and how he felt he may have been misled.
Supporters at a Monday morning rally for Riley said the dismissal doesn’t jibe with her personality, and they described her as always ready to help and eager to listen to students.
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