INDIANAPOLIS -- During a rambunctious meeting featuring name-calling and accusations, the Perry Township School Board on Monday night put its longtime superintendent on paid administrative leave with a view toward dismissing him permanently.

With a 4-3 vote, the board put Superintendent Doug Williams on leave during a meeting attended by an overflow crowd. The board will have to buy out his contract to dismiss him. Williams is seeking legal counsel.

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School Board Meeting Ends With Superintendent's Ouster

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The members who voted to suspend Williams -- who has been superintendent for 15 years -- claimed he had threatened them at an October meeting.

"He has chosen bullying, criticism and threats -- just ask my family," board member Nancy Walsh said.

The board members who supported Williams said the other members had been trying to conduct business behind closed doors.

"The actions of the members of the board were not in the spirit of the open-door law, and I feel are unethical," board member Jo Ellen Buffie said.

After the vote, Williams broke his silence and addressed board members, some of whom he criticized for conduct he described as unprofessional. He also denied making any threats.

"I care deeply about this school district ... and the people. I do not think this vote represents the wishes of this community, and I clearly do not think its in the best interest of the young people in this community," Williams said.

Williams had many supporters in the audience, most of whom expressed support for the ousted leader and blasted the school board.

The board named Dennis Nichols, a township administrator, as interim superintendent.