NORWICH, Conn. (WTNH) – The Norwich Public Schools Superintendent Kristen Stringfellow has been placed on administrative leave following a board meeting on Monday night.

A rally was held at 6:30 p.m. at Kelly Middle School prior to the board meeting in the school’s community room at 7 p.m.

Last week, 150 students, parents and staff rallied at a board of education meeting calling for action to end an alleged climate of fear and retaliation. The teachers and students said they were rallying to urge the board of education to create a more welcoming school environment.

A climate survey found that 96 percent of teachers feared retaliation from Stringfellow if they issued concerns. More than 160 teachers have left the district since June 2022, school officials said.

Principal Susan Lessard will be the new acting superintendent of Norwich schools effective Monday night subject to the approval of the commissioner of education.

News 8 has reached out to Stringfellow for comment and has yet to hear back.

The Norwich Board of Education has not reached a conclusion on Stringfellow’s alleged misconduct.