The Thomaston Board of Education voted unanimously Monday night to place Superintendent Francine Coss on paid leave, “without prejudice,” pending the town’s “audit of board finances.”

The board also appointed Mark Winzler as interim superintendent while Coss is on leave.

Neither Coss’ leave nor Winzler’s appointment appeared on the agenda originally posted online. Both were added near the end of Monday’s meeting. Before introducing the motions, Board of Education Chairman Nathan Vieira said the actions were recommended by the board’s attorney.

“No accusation. No statement of wrongdoing,” Vieira said, adding that placing Coss on leave was intended to protect the independence of the process.

“It makes sure that we have an audit that is able to function properly, get us the information we need,” Vieira said. “We need to make sure that the independence of the audit is upheld.”

Coss expressed surprise at the board’s action, adding, “This is news to me,” as she questioned the decision.

The board then appointed Winzler interim superintendent, also by unanimous vote. Vieira read a statement outlining Winzler’s experience, describing him as a “fixer” who has stepped into interim superintendent roles in numerous Connecticut school districts. Winzler recently served as interim superintendent in Vernon.

Winzler will be paid on a per-diem basis and can work a maximum of 96 days. Vieira said the maximum potential cost would be approximately $83,000 if Winzler works all 96 days, emphasizing that the district was “not inherently entering into an $83,000 contract.”

As other members of the board questioned where funding for Winzler would come from while Coss continues to receive her salary during the leave, Vieira said leadership of the Board of Selectmen and Board of Finance were aware of the potential additional cost.

The actions come after the Board of Education’s Budget/Audit Committee meeting last week, where the district’s estimated $449,000 fiscal year 2025-26 budget overage was discussed. The Board of Finance has selected PKF O’Connor Davies to conduct the first phase of an operational and internal controls review, while town finance leaders have cautioned that the final overage could be higher.

The full Board of Education meeting, including the discussion and votes on both actions, is available on the district’s YouTube channel.