The superintendent of the Manhasset School District has taken a leave of absence over substantiated claims of sexual harassment.

The school board announced Dr. Vincent Butera will be out for the remainder of the school year after an independent investigator determined he violated the district's sexual harassment policy.

The school board sent a message to families Thursday, writing, "Effective today Dr. Vincent Butera will be on a leave of absence so that as we close out the school year the district's sole focus will be on supporting our students, faculty and staff."

Students staged a walkout over the issue last week, demanding that he step down.

Butera addressed the allegations at the last board meeting on May 6 saying, "I was extremely disheartened today to learn that my actions were misconstrued by even one person." 

Some parents say they're glad Butera will no longer be on campus, but they say more needs to be done.

"I do think it's a good first step. I think it's not a period to this whole situation, and I think that he needs to be terminated to really put an end to this," said Stacey Kelly.

The school board says Deputy Superintendent Rosemary Johnson will now serve as acting superintendent.