Van Buren superintendent placed on leave

VAN BUREN, Mo. — While no charges have been filed in two alleged drunken-driving incidents, a second Southeast Missouri superintendent has been placed on administrative leave.

The Van Buren School Board decided Thursday to place superintendent Sonia Kuessner on administrative leave, special-education director Lyn Reed confirmed. Reed, who has been with the district more than 30 years, was named as interim superintendent.

Dexter, Missouri, superintendent Mitchell Wood was placed on administrative leave by his board in late October.

Problems for the pair began after their mug shots were posted to a website that tracks arrests. The website recorded the charges from separate Oct. 23 incidents as “DWI alcohol.” The arresting agency, Scott County, later said neither Kuessner nor Wood faced alcohol-related charges. Sheriff Rick Walter declined to release reports about the incidents. Walter said the website frequently provides incorrect information.

In a statement released by Kuessner’s attorney at the time, Kuessner said her board met at the end in October and supported her.

A special meeting was announced Wednesday, said Reed, who did not have information on whether Kuessner is on paid leave.

Reed referred all other questions to school board president Cammie Huemann. Attempts to reach Huemann by phone were unsuccessful.

Kuessner has been superintendent of the district for the past five years. The district serves about 550 students.

When interviewed by the Daily American Republic newspaper, Walter denied an arrest of Kuessner took place.

He did not confirm whether Kuessner arrived at the Scott County Jail early Oct. 23 to pick up Wood. According to Walter, the Dexter superintendent had been arrested on a city warrant for an outstanding traffic ticket, and a report stating DWI was incorrect.

A deputy suspected Kuessner of being under the influence and brought her into the sheriff’s department to conduct a field-sobriety test because it was more convenient than in the parking lot, Walter said. Walter did not answer why a booking photo was taken.

He also did not provide information concerning whether Breathalyzer tests were done or the result of the field-sobriety test.

Kuessner’s lawyer, Danny Moore, has said the accusations are false.

Pertinent address:

Van Buren, Mo.