Hours after a school superintendent faced a judge for allegedly stealing from her former school system, the Plymouth Board of Education held a special meeting to discuss the appointment of an acting superintendent while they learn more about the allegations against her.
Eleanor Cruz was arrested earlier this month and asked not to report to work while the school board investigates.
She’s accused of stealing $15,000 from the town of Hebron while serving as superintendent there. The warrant for her arrest says she charged personal expenses to school district credit cards, including clothing, groceries, gardening supplies and pharmacy purchases.
Cruz is also accused of using taxpayer dollars to pay a private consultant for analyzing Plymouth Board of Education data shortly before she left Hebron for Plymouth, according to an audit conducted by the Hebron school board.
The Plymouth school board moved to terminate her at a meeting Aug. 13, then segued into executive session, during which chairman Raymond Engle was appointed to lead an investigation into her conduct.
Cruz was asked not to report to work and remains on administrative leave.
Plymouth business manager Michael Santogotta was selected to lead the school district until an acting superintendent is selected.
The Board of Education met Tuesday night to discuss three candidates who are being considered for the position, including Santogotta.
Cruz’s attorney said he expects a plea in the coming weeks.
