Plum superintendent returns to duties, says he's been ‘cleared'

PLUM, Pa. — Plum Borough School District’s superintendent returned to duties Monday and posted to the school’s website that he had been “cleared” of any involvement in any accusations made by a grand jury report that he turned a blind eye to the abuse of students by an English teacher.

Plum Superintendent Timothy Glasspool hired Levin Law Group to conduct an independent investigation, which cleared him of any misconduct.

"Moving forward, I will refrain from making any comments related to the investigations or pending and potential litigation. I have been cleared of any involvement in these matters, and will keep my focus on the work at hand of improving student-teacher interactions and most importantly the success of our students and school district," Glasspool wrote in a letter to parents and residents on the school's website.

After the law group had cleared him, the school board voted 4-3 in favor of reinstating Glasspool, who had been placed on administrative leave after the grand jury report.

Steve Schlauch and Vicky Roessler, two school board members who were present and voted against Glasspool’s reinstatement, released this statement in response to the letter he had posted.

"We believe the reinstatement of Timothy Glasspool by the majority of the school board undermines the integrity of the grand jury report and dismisses the testimony of witnesses under oath.  Due to an incomplete and not thorough investigation by the Levin Legal Group and the lack of documentation, we voted not to reinstate the superintendent. It's our opinion that the board's decision to reinstate Tim Glasspool does not operate to clear him of any allegation of wrong doing."

Two teachers have been convicted of student-sex charges and a third is scheduled to plead guilty next month. A fourth teacher was acquitted of charges that he allegedly tried to intimidate a student victim by pointing her out in class.

A representative for the firm said based on their findings, they disagree with major findings of the grand jury report, saying no evidence was found to suggest that any employees were encouraging protection of friends and colleagues over students.

Glasspool also said that he will focus on bettering student-teacher interactions and the success for students and the school district.

"The investigations, arrests and trials have affected our school community for the third consecutive school year. It is time for us all to move forward as we remember the lessons and missteps of the past. A very clear and persistent plan to ensure this never occurs again is now in place. All of our employees are unwavering in their commitment to a safe learning environment," Glasspool wrote.

Cox Media Group