Ryal Public School board suspends superintendent

The two-member board voted to suspend Scot Trower with pay pending the outcome of an investigation into comments he made to a reporter with The Oklahoman last month, school board member Robert Bennett said.

A third seat on the board was recently vacated due to a death and has not been filled, so the second vote for suspension by board member Jason Harjo made the decision unanimous, Bennett said.

“Mr. Trower was suspended with pay pending further investigation and action by the board,” Bennett said.

“A pretty good crowd turned out and voiced their opinions on how things went. They weren't happy about how the community was depicted. The story portrayed the Ryal community in a very negative light.”

Bennett said he could not address the accusations in further detail Tuesday night because of the investigation, but defended the community.