ROCKY RIVER, Ohio — As investigations into a number Rocky River City School District employees linger, Superintendent Michael Shoaf has been called on to resign by some community members.
Dozens of city residents filled the school board meeting Thursday night as Shoaf discussed the state of the district.
"We're unhappy obviously about the things that have happened," Shoaf told reporters after the meeting.
3News has reported on recent investigations into workers within the school district, which include a principal's text messages with students and a school resource officer fired for alleged inappropriate behavior.
"We have an opportunity to make improvements and make sure that some of the really negative things we've had to deal with won't have to deal with in the future," Shoaf said.
Some members of the Rocky River City School District started a petition, which called on top administrators, including Shoaf, to resign. The petition has more than 800 signatures, however the district disputes its validity.
WKYC asked the superintendent Thursday if he had thought about stepping down from his position within the district. Shoaf adamantly said, "No."
Some of the attendees at Thursday's meeting applauded Shoaf.
"I support our administration," explained one community member. "I am grateful for the schools," another added.
But while some guests supported the administrators, others held their applause.
"Incidents involving teachers and staff have occurred under Superintendent Shoaf's watch," explained a woman who had signed the petition.
Shoaf had a prepared address during the board meeting on the recent investigations.
"Like many, or everybody, in the community, I'm deeply upset by the actions of a few individuals that have cast a negative light on this school district," he stated.
Shoaf garnered mixed reaction from the crowd as he touted new ideas for the district. In the future, he looks to add a communication forum, federal mediation training and a third party organizational review.
Meanwhile, the independent investigation into Kensington Intermediate Principal Dr. Heath Horton continues as he remains on paid administrative leave following revelations of texts with students involving sex, drugs, and alcohol. Both Rocky River and Cuyahoga County prosecutors previously declined to file criminal charges against him.
