DeSoto Independent School District Superintendent Dr. David Harris has been "relieved" of his duties, effective immediately, following a unanimous vote at a special meeting among board school leadership Monday night.
Harris has been placed on administrative leave amid an investigation into "concerns regarding the duties and performance of the superintendent," according to a district spokeswoman.
Officials declined NBC 5's requests for clarification on what those concerns were.
"We were told it was a normal meeting, and clearly that wasn't the case," said Traci Sanders, a parent attending the meeting. "There has to be a reason behind this. Until we know more, I still support Dr. Harris. I know what he has done for the district."
Following the meeting, some parents told NBC 5 they were frustrated over a lack of transparency in the DeSoto ISD leadership.
Bobby LaBorde, assistant superintendent of finance and human resources, will lead the district until an interim superintendent is hired, officials said.
NBC 5 spoke to DeSoto Mayor Curtistene S. McCowan about the decision. She said she supports the board.
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"There was a 7-0 vote. It was a unanimous vote that he be placed on leave until further investigation. I trust the process," she said.
Some parents tell NBC 5 they have heard the board and superintendent were at odds over the future of the football program. DeSoto head football coach Todd Peterman announced he was leaving last month, and the change in district leadership comes a week after a basketball court fight between DeSoto and Duncanville high school students resulted in suspensions and forfeitures.
DeSoto ISD Board President Carl Sherman Jr. released a statement, saying, in part, that the board's decision on Harris was made due to "concerns regarding the Superintendent’s evaluation, employment and duties" and that it is unrelated to the search for a new football coach.
"While the duties of the Superintendent have been temporarily reassigned, the board’s commitment to academic growth is still laser-focused. We are committed to serving the students and families of DeSoto ISD with the goal of providing high quality educational experiences for every student," Sherman said in the statement.
