SOLON, Ohio — Solon High School's principal was placed on paid administrative leave and police are investigating alleged conduct that occurred more than a decade ago, according to the district's superintendent.
According to a letter sent out by the district, a claim against principal Erin Short was received last week.
The district said that Solon police are investigating the matter, as well as the identity of the person who expressed the concern.
Short was placed on paid administrative leave on Feb. 15. In a statement provided by her attorney, she said she has been "completely forthcoming and cooperative with both the Solon Board of Education and law enforcement." She said she "unequivocally and categorically" denies "the false and defamatory allegation" made against her, and will pursue damages as a result of the allegation.
Assistant Principal Erica Kosiorek will be serving as acting principal for the time being.
The district confirmed Short has been employed by Solon Schools since June 2000 and has been a principal since Aug. 1, 2010.
In a letter to parents, Short released the following statement:
Dear Students, Staff, and the Solon Community:
As the community is aware, I have been placed on administrative leave pending the outcome of an investigation by the Solon Board of Education and law enforcement.
From the onset of the investigation, I have been completely forthcoming and cooperative with both the Solon Board of Education and law enforcement. I unequivocally and categorically deny the false and defamatory allegation that has been made against me. Going forward, I will continue to be forthcoming and cooperative with both the Board of Education and law enforcement until this investigation is resolved. Moreover, I will zealously pursue all damages as a result of the false and defamatory allegation that has been made against me.
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.
Below is the full statement released to parents and staff by district superintendent Fred Bolden:
Dear Solon High School Families and Staff,
We are reaching out to inform you that the District has placed Solon High School Principal Erin Short on paid administrative leave due to a concern received last week. We take this matter seriously. Although we have not been able to confirm the source of the information, and the claim involves conduct alleged to have occurred more than a decade ago, we immediately initiated an investigation and shared this information with the Solon Police Department. The police are investigating the matter as well as the identity of the individual who expressed the concern. We are fully cooperating with police in the investigation.
We placed Ms. Short on paid administrative leave on February 15, in keeping with the District’s standard operating procedures and pending the outcome of the investigation. During this time, Assistant Principal Erica Kosiorek is serving as acting principal. Because the investigation is ongoing, we cannot share further details at this time.
No other information has been released at this time.
