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Richmond Heights Superintendent Robert Moore resigned Monday, several weeks after pleading not guilty to charges of bribery, theft and extortion.
(Cuyahoga County Sheriff's department)
RICHMOND HEIGHTS, Ohio — More than a month after he was
, Richmond Heights Superintendent Robert Moore II resigned Monday in
addressed to School Board President Bobby Jordan.
Moore and Maintenance Supervisor Richard Muse
after prosecutors say an investigation revealed the two were shaking down a day care business contracting with the schools.
The Richmond Heights Board of Education put the two
in early March and appointed Bob Mengerink, from the
, interim superintendent. The district has paid Moore approximately $13,749 of his $110,000 salary during his leave and Muse has made about $4,911, according to Treasurer John Scott.
"It is with regret and disappointment that I submit this letter of resignation," Moore wrote. "I have enjoyed working with you and the entire board during my tenure. Thank you for allowing me to serve the students and community of Richmond Heights."
The board has a special meeting Thursday at 7 p.m. where they plan to appoint
interim superintendent, Jordan said. Heuer will be responsible for determining whether Muse will be terminated.
"I'm saddened by the whole event, but I understand it was the best thing for the school," Jordan said. "Going forward with termination proceedings would have been very costly."
Moore and Muse
last month to charges alleging they demanded cash bribes from a 68-year-old retired teacher.
Several weeks later, they were indicted on new charges that they tampered with district records by submitting improper expense reimbursements. According to the indictment, Muse forged job training certificates when he applied for his position with the district.
became superintendent in 2012 after serving as interim superintendent for eight months. He came to Richmond Heights Schools in 2010 as principal of the elementary school prior to serving 20 years as a teacher, principal and assistant superintendent with the Cleveland Metropolitan School District.
He is also a pastor at Church Cathedral Worship Center in Euclid.