SOLON, Ohio — Solon High School Principal Erin Short has been placed on paid administrative leave after the district says it received a "concern" about her last week.
Superintendent Fred Bolden would not specify the allegation made against Short, but did confirm the reported conduct would have occurred "more than a decade ago." The accusation was serious enough that police had to be contacted, and Short has been on leave since Feb. 15 pending the outcome of the criminal probe.
"We are fully cooperating with police in the investigation," Bolden said in a statement sent to parents Tuesday night. "Because the investigation is ongoing, we cannot share further details at this time."
Short has been a district employee for more than 20 years and was promoted to the position of high school principal in 2010. She released a statement of her own Tuesday, and while she pledged to "continue to be forthcoming and cooperative with both the Board of Education and law enforcement until this investigation is resolved," she "unequivocally and categorically" denied the unspecified charges that have been made against her.
"I will zealously pursue all damages as a result of the false and defamatory allegation that has been made against me," she wrote. "Ultimately, I look forward to returning to my position as Principal of Solon High School and leading our nationally recognized students and staff to achieving continued academic, educational and community excellence for many years to come."
For the time being, Assistant Principal Erica Kosiorek will serve as Solon High's acting principal.