Mesa Public Schools
Ember Conley

Mesa (Ariz.) board puts superintendent on paid leave

Nov. 18, 2019
Ember Conley has led Arizona's largest school district since 2018; the board has not disclosed a reason for its action.

The Mesa (Ariz.) school board has voted to place Ember Conley, the district's superintendent, on paid administrative leave.  

The Arizona Republic reports that a board member says the leave is considered "non-disciplinary," but did not specify a reason for the board's actioon. 

"We want you to know that this is something we have been working hard and diligently to do the right thing," said Elaine Miner, board president.

Mesa is the largest school district in the state with more than 62,000 students.

The district hired Conley in 2018 and pays her a base salary of $225,000 annually, along with a $900 monthly stipend. The contract lasts into 2021.

Members also voted to look for candidates to serve as interim superintendent. In the meantime, Deputy Superintendent Andi Fourlis will carry out superintendent duties.

Before coming to Mesa, Conley led the Park City School District in Utah, a district with 5,000 students. 

Conley succeeded Michael Cowan, who served as Mesa's superintendent for nearly a decade.

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