Community rallies for librarian under investigation

DECATUR, Ga. - During a City Schools of Decatur School Board meeting, friends, colleagues and parents spoke out in favor of Susan Riley, a media clerk at Decatur High School who was fired.

“There is one innocent victim here and it is Susan Riley,” said friend and local attorney Tom Stubbs. “She is lying face up on a guillotine waiting for what is going to happen.”

City Schools of Decatur Superintendent David Dude fired Riley last month, a decision some called rash, but a few days later, she was put on paid leave after the superintendent said new information surfaced.

“She was just the sweetest person,” said Sara Norman, who graduated from Decatur High School in 2014.  “She was always there for you, no matter what.”

The school board said they cannot comment on personnel issues, but friends of Riley said she is accused of misappropriating school property, allegations they believe are false.

Riley’s friends also said she expressed concerns to administrators, and they believe that also played a part in her initial termination.

"I hope that the people are held accountable,” said Stubbs. “I hope she gets her job back, and I hope she gets promoted. I hope people see that she is a great person and that this is an injustice placed upon her."

A third party is investigating the allegations.  The superintendent briefly commented on the investigation during his remarks Tuesday.

“We are moving forward as quickly as possible with our review of the situation,” said Superintendent David Dude.  “I have been in contact with Susan and we will be bringing this to fruition as quickly as possible.”