LAWRENCE — A subdued Superintendent Wilfredo Laboy sported sun glasses and walked quickly with his head bowed as he passed through a circle of reporters and photographers at the entrance of Lawrence Public Schools administrative offices on Essex Street early last night for what could be his final meeting with the School Committee.
With Laboy, 58, facing a criminal investigation into allegations of financial wrongdoing, the committee voted unanimously to put him on paid administrative leave pending the outcome of a probe that now threatens his future.
After meeting with Laboy and his attorney Scott Gleason for about 45 minutes in a closed executive session, the committee members deliberated for another 45 minutes before reconvening to announce their vote to the applause of a small crowd waiting to hear the decision.
Members said that Laboy also turned over the keys to his leased SUV, his gas card, his Blackberry and agreed not to communicate with anyone in the School Department while on leave.
Mayor Michael Sullivan, who chairs the seven-member committee, described the discussion with Laboy as "almost as smooth as the vote taken downstairs (in the committee room).
"The main thing is that everybody is interested in doing the best thing for the city, and Dr. Laboy communicated the same thing to us," Sullivan said in an interview after the meeting.
The mayor said there was never a question of whether the superintendent should be placed on paid leave following the police raid on his office last week and the Tuesday night raid of his Howe Street home in Methuen.
"I think Tuesday night changed the rules a little," Sullivan said.
"It was a very cordial, calm meeting. His only expression to us tonight was that he's interested in what's best for the children of the city. He was very humble. And everybody in that room understands that the best interests of the city of Lawrence were served with the vote we took tonight, including Dr. Laboy," Sullivan said.
Laboy, who has been on medical leave for work-related stress since checking himself into a hospital on May 14, was planning to return to work this week after getting medical clearance from an independent doctor hired by the committee.
Leave for at least 2 months
But the vote taken by the committee last night places the superintendent on administrative leave for at least two months or until he is cleared in the ongoing investigation by District Attorney Jonathan Blodgett's office.
"If we decide the criminal investigation is not going quick enough for us, we can open up our own investigation," Committee Vice Chairman Greg Morris said after the meeting.
It's not clear who the committee would appoint or hire to conduct an investigation into alleged wrongdoing by Laboy.
But Morris noted it was the consensus of every member that Laboy shouldn't be allowed on school grounds as long as the criminal probe continues.
"Having him here could interfere with the investigation," Morris said.
Laboy had no comment to reporters before or after the executive session.
In brief remarks to reporters after the meeting, Attorney Gleason, of Haverhill, said the superintendent has performed admirably for the city and vowed that he would be exonerated of any allegations that have led to the criminal investigation.
Laboy and his attorney didn't contest the administrative leave before or after the committee approved it 7-0.
Laboy hugged members
Member Sammy Reyes, whose complaint triggered the criminal probe, called it "a peaceful, very professional meeting."
"He (Laboy) went around and gave everybody a handshake and a hug," Reyes said.
"We said best wishes to each other. He acted very professional. I think it was a relief for everybody. Now everybody can focus on moving the school system forward and making sure our kids get the best education possible," Reyes said.
Member Martina Cruz said she would have fired Laboy immediately if it were her decision, "because all these issues that are a major distraction to the school system."
"But because this was a unanimous vote which we took on the advice of our lawyer (Naomi Stonberg, who attended the meeting), this was the best thing to do," Cruz said.
A few members said privately that they believe this would be Laboy's final appearance before the committee.
But member James Vittorioso, another vocal critic, said he expected to see Laboy back by the end of the summer if he is cleared of the allegations.
"I know people are hoping something's there, but you have to have tangible evidence and the man hasn't been charged with anything yet with all this hullaballoo going on," Vittorioso said.
"If charges haven't been brought forth in 60 days, why wouldn't he be back unless something comes out? I expect him to serve until October 2010. In America, you're innocent until proven guilty," Vittorioso said.
But Lawrence Teachers Union President Frank McLaughlin predicted "it's over" for Laboy.
"Put a fork in him because he's done. He's not coming back. The only thing I feel bad about is that with him going on administrative leave, there are 57 teachers who will be out of a job - teachers whose contracts he didn't renew on the day he went to the hospital," McLaughlin said.
As Laboy, escorted by school security guards, walked out of 255 Essex St. last night, a heckler approached him and sang a farewell chant in a taunting manner.
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