CLAREMONT, N.H.- As officials in the Claremont School district continue to work on a way to address a multi-million-dollar deficit, the district has placed its Superintendent on paid leave.

The news comes as kids started the new school year Thursday despite doubts over whether or not schools could open.

According to a press release Superintendent Christopher Pratt was placed on “non-disciplinary, paid administrative leave,” after meeting in a nonpublic session with the school board Tuesday evening, leaving the district’s Human Resources Director Patrick O’Hearn in the role of acting superintendent.

Pratt is the second administrator to be placed on leave, after Business administrator, Mary Henry was placed on paid administrative leave on August 22.

Following Tuesday’s decision to place Pratt on leave district officials are still trying to figure out the extent of the deficit, as officials estimate that it could anywhere between $1 and $5 million.

Meanwhile Governor Kelly Ayotte addressed the matter during Wednesday’s Executive Council meeting and said that state education officials have been offering support, but she stopped short of endorsing any financial bailout for the cash-starved school district.