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Cincinnati Principal Resigns Over ‘Sexual Electronic Communications’ With Former Student

Posted at 3:27 PM, Aug 12, 2018
and last updated 2018-08-12 15:27:52-04

CINCINNATI (WLWT) –  A Cincinnati high school principal resigned last month after admitting to "inappropriate electronic communications" with a former student, according to a newly released personnel file.

The person resigned July 31 as principal of Gamble High School Montessori, a Cincinnati public school.

WLWT is not identifying the former employee, as he has not been charged as of Friday.

According to his personnel file, the employee reported to the Cincinnati Public Schools Office of General Counsel that a former student was accusing him of physical sexual contact.

The principal denied that he engaged in physical sexual contact, the personnel file states, but did admit that he engaged in inappropriate sexual electronic communications.

One parent of two Gamble students said she was surprised by the situation.

“I had not seen any, whatsoever, inclinations of that interacting with the students and that’s something I look for,” Lavonda Vandivier said.

That report was filed July 9. He was placed on leave by the school district July 20. The principal resigned July 30 and was replaced by interim Principal Beth Schnell.

The district reported the information to Hamilton County Job and Family Services.

In a written statement CPS spokeswoman Lauren Worley said, “Superintendent (Laura) Mitchell has sent a letter to parents informing them of the change in leadership. The district can’t comment further as this is a personnel issue.”

The principal is the co-author of a book released this year entitled “Angels and Superheros.” It draws attention to the importance of compassionate educators in an era of school accountability.