Local

Interim Brevard Public Schools superintendent placed on paid leave

BREVARD COUNTY, Fla. — The interim Brevard Public Schools superintendent is on paid leave after a poorly timed email and complaints about a hostile work environment.

>>> STREAM CHANNEL 9 EYEWITNESS NEWS LIVE <<<

The School Board chairman has also asked for a review of the interim superintendent’s brief tenure.

On Tuesday night, the Brevard County Public School Board unanimously decided that it was in the best interest of the district to put interim superintendent Robert Schiller on paid administrative leave after three months on the job.

“We have to take into consideration, ‘Is the superintendent actually serving our district and have our district’s best interests at heart?’” school board vice chair Megan Wright said.

VIDEO: Brevard County Public Schools to consider extending interim superintendent’s contract

Wright told Channel 9 she was disappointed in a 12-page email Schiller sent to the board chair and board attorney in reference to proposed contract amendments.

Schiller was critical of the board search for a new superintendent. He made references to the “immaturity” of the board and an unrealistic timeline to make a decision about the permanent superintendent.

Wright said the decision to place Shiller on leave was about more than the email.

WATCH: SpaceX successfully launches its latest Starlink mission

“I think we heard last night fellow board members as well, making complaints about a hostile work environment and things that were happening directly at the hands of the superintendent,” she said.

School Board chairman Matt Susin said Schiller was also making changes to departments without board approval. Susin has requested an investigation.

The school district’s assistant superintendent of Facility Services is now the acting superintendent.

READ: School districts across Central Florida examine book policies


Click here to download the free WFTV news and weather apps, click here to download the WFTV Now app for your smart TV and click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live.

Adam Poulisse, WFTV.com

Adam Poulisse joined WFTV in November 2019.