St. Joseph School District Chief Operating Officer Rick Hartigan made a statement Thursday about the St. Joseph School District Board of Education’s decision to place him on paid administrative leave last month.

“The Board of Education has humiliated me and my family,” Hartigan read from his prepared statement. “I can’t understand Why.  I have been disgraced in the community and they don’t seem to care.”

Hartigan met with reporters from St. Joseph and a reporter from Kansas City to read a prepared statement which you can read here: Hartigan’s Prepared Statement

He said he has not been told why he was suspended but that he’s preparing for another blind interview about secret allegations.

“I’ll do it,” Hartigan said. “But how can I prepare if I don’t get the chance to know what it’s about?”

School Board Member Kappy Hodges attended the conference to hear Hartigan’s statement.  Hodges told reporters afterwards that she does not feel the board has intentionally hurt Hartigan.

“He’s still on paid administrative leave pending investigation,” said Hodges. “I’m sure it’s tough, it’s tough all around.”

Hartigan said he feels it’s time for the board to stop holding secret meetings and secret reports.

“I believe it’s time this process be done in public and in a fair and unbiased way,” Hartigan said. “I respectfully request the board do its work in public view.  I’m not afraid of the truth.  The board shouldn’t be either.”

No questions were taken from reporters after the statement was made.

State audit findings into the St. Joseph School District are scheduled to be released to the public by State Auditor Tom Schweich Tuesday at 5 p.m. at Oak Grove Elementary. The meeting is open to the public and Schweich has said he will take questions from the audience.