Editor's note: This story has been updated since its original publication to include Superintendent Traci Davis' reaction and was updated again to include a reaction to Davis's allegation that race is an issue in this situation. This story is also not behind the RGJ paywall because it deals with a matter of immediate public concern.

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The Washoe County School District sent an urgent statement to employees Wednesday evening saying it will close down its central offices on Thursday and Friday because Superintendent Traci Davis plans to return to work.

The district said it was concerned that Davis would create a "disruptive confrontation at the expense of the staff."

"Such tactics are abhorrent, and I am, therefore, doing all in my power as Acting Superintendent to protect you all and the interests of our district," said Acting Superintendent Kristen McNeill in the statement to staff. Read the full statement at the bottom of this story.

The district said more than 200 people work in the three buildings that will be closed but all employees will be paid for Thursday and Friday. The district could not answer how much shutting down the district for two days would cost taxpayers.

RGJ Exclusive:WCSD Superintendent Davis calls allegations 'vicious attack to destroy my career'

Traci Davis reacts

In an interview with the Reno Gazette Journal Wednesday evening, Davis said, "this is a defamation of my character," after seeing the statement from the district.

“I was flabbergasted. This is a clear indication of racial issues in the school district," she said.

Davis continued: "This story is similar to the Central Park Five, and I am now the Washoe County School District One."

In 1989, five black and Latino teens from Harlem were wrongfully convicted and served full jail sentences for the brutal rape of a white woman in New York City. They were later exonerated and paid $41 million by the city after a civil suit. They became known as the Central Park Five.

"We need to address racial issues and this is a sad day for the district because I have been around kids my whole career," Davis said.

District responds to superintendent's reaction

After Davis' reaction on Wednesday, the district said in a statement that it is "ridiculous that she is making this about race."

The statement said using race as an issue is a way for Davis to set the stage for a lawsuit.

"The offices were closed because multiple employees have come forward, in fear of retaliation by Davis, to report their work environments were hostile, harassing, toxic, and unprofessional," the statement said. "With Davis announcing her return tomorrow in breach of her leave of absence agreement, employees are understandably concerned about what their work environment will be. This District supports a hostile free, professional work environment."

MORE:WCSD refutes Davis's version of events, accuses her attorney of wrongdoing

What happened last week

Last week, Washoe County School Board President Katy Simon Holland said Davis took a leave of absence as any employee would. She said there was no timeline on when Davis would return.

But then on Friday the district said Davis' character, alleged misconduct and professional competence will be discussed at a July 1 Washoe County School District Board of Trustees meeting.

Read the entire statement from Acting Superintendent Kristen McNeill here:

Dear Central Staff –



As you are aware, there is a Board of Trustees Special Meeting scheduled for Monday, July 1, 2019 at 8:00 a.m. to discuss the future of Traci Davis with the District. Today, the District’s Office of the General Counsel received an email from Ms. Davis’s attorney stating that Ms. Davis intends to breach an agreement made between her attorney and the Office of the General Counsel that Ms. Davis will remain on a leave of absence for personal reasons pursuant to Board Policy 9082 until the July 1, 2019 Special Meeting. According to an email from Ms. Davis’s attorney received this afternoon, Ms. Davis intends to return to work tomorrow, Thursday, June 27, 2019.



Out of great care and concern for all of you and our District, I am closing the Central Administration Offices, Buildings A, B and C, until Monday, July 1, 2019.



The concern is that Ms. Davis and her attorney intend to create a disruptive confrontation at the expense of our District and Central Administration Staff. Such tactics are abhorrent, and I am, therefore, doing all in my power as Acting Superintendent to protect you all and the interests of our District.



Therefore, you are not to report to the Central Administration Offices tomorrow and Friday except for regularly scheduled School Police personnel. You will all receive your regular pay for the next two days. If you are able to work remotely, you should do so. If you have a need to be at your offices over the next two days, you can certainly do so. You will all resume your regular schedules on Monday, July 1, 2019.



You may see further details of this situation in the media tonight and I wanted to notify you all before it reached the media.



With great respect and care,



Kristen

This is a breaking news story and will be updated.

Siobhan McAndrew tells stories about the people of Northern Nevada and covers education in Washoe County. Read her journalism right here. Consider supporting her work by subscribing to the Reno Gazette Journal.