Deters said the district’s investigation of Orr’s alleged violations of school board policies will likely be done in “in the next few weeks, not a few days.”
“We know that there is some impatience for it to come to a conclusion — and the board appreciates the patience people are exercising. But this is one of those things where we would rather be thorough and right, than quick,” said Deters, after the private board session.
Members of the school board declined to comment and Deters said as legal counsel he has asked them to refrain from speaking about the results of an investigation launched in February at the same time Orr was ordered by the board to go on paid leave.
Board members saw the investigation report for the first time last week during another executive session but all declined to comment.
The board has said the allegations involve possible violations of board policies.
Deters stressed the examination of the allegations against Orr were done “by an outside firm … independent, unbiased investigation.”
Since being placed on leave, Orr has not responded to numerous requests by this news outlet for comment.
Orr’s only statement to date, which was released by him shortly after the board placed him on paid leave, was that he did not know the nature of the allegations made against him but was confident the board’s investigation into them would leave him vindicated.
Under Ohio law, school boards are allowed to meet in executive sessions to discuss personnel matters but must hold a public meeting for any vote.
Orr was hired to lead the 10,000-student Hamilton District in August 2015.
In 2017, Orr had his contract, which pays him $156,818 annually, extended by the board until 2020.
The board is scheduled to hold its next regular, public board meeting at 7 p.m. Tuesday at the district’s central office at 533 Dayton Street.
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