Norwich ― The Board of Education has expanded its investigation into suspended Superintendent Kristen Stringfellow to cover any other issues that may come to light as an investigator looks into allegations that she fostered a toxic work environment, board Chairman Mark Kulos said.

The board did not specify what those additional issues could be.

The board last week authorized Kulos to continue his role as liaison between the board and the investigating attorney, a role he took on as board vice chairman in September. After the election, Kulos was elected chairman. The new school board, which has three new members, Democrats Ella Myles and John Iovino and Republican Christina Milton, discussed the investigation of Stringfellow and Assistant Superintendent Tamara Gloster in executive session Tuesday before the vote.

Kulos said Hartford attorney Kyle McClain, who is conducting the investigation, is completing his interviews with staff members and will review written materials before concluding the probe. Kulos projected the investigation will be done in a month or two and McClain will present his findings to the board.

Stringfellow was placed on paid administrative leave Sept. 18 and Gloster a week later after months of allegations by staff and former staff that the two administrators fostered an atmosphere of fear and intimidation in the school district. The board appointed Principal Susan Lessard as acting superintendent and retired Student Services Director Jamie Bender as assistant superintendent.

Kulos said the investigation is taking longer than expected – it was projected to be concluded before the November election – but must be done thoroughly and legally.

Kulos said the legal fees so far total about $30,000, an expense not in the budget and pointed out that during the investigation, the school district is paying two superintendents and two assistant superintendents.

Stringfellow and Lessard both are each being paid a base annual salary of $204,000, with Stringfellow earning additional amount for her doctoral degree.

“In my mind, even though it is an expense, it’s better than facing a lawsuit,” Kulos said about the investigation.

c.bessette@theday.com