© 2024 University of Missouri - KBIA
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

Catholic Schools Superintendent Resigns After Allegations

The longtime superintendent of Catholic Schools for the Roman Catholic Diocese of Springfield-Cape Girardeau has resigned after two former students alleged he acted inappropriately between 20 and 25 years ago.

Leon Witt, who has been superintendent of the schools for 15 years, resigned last week. The Springfield News-Leader reports the complaints came from one male and one female student while Witt was a teacher and principal at what is now known as St. Joseph Catholic Academy in Springfield.

Diocese spokeswoman Leslie Eidson says the reports were made this summer. She said neither complaint involved child abuse, sexual abuse or misconduct but no details were released.

Greene County Prosecutor Dan Patterson met with the woman this month. He said her allegations involved inappropriate comments and physical contact but didn't constitute criminal conduct.

The Associated Press is one of the largest and most trusted sources of independent newsgathering, supplying a steady stream of news to its members, international subscribers and commercial customers. AP is neither privately owned nor government-funded; instead, it's a not-for-profit news cooperative owned by its American newspaper and broadcast members.