Laurel Highlands School District superintendent retires, effective immediately

Laurel Highlands School District’s superintendent is retiring.

Dr. Jesse T. Wallace III submitted his notice of retirement, effective immediately on Thursday.

A spokesperson for the district said Dr. Jessica Scott and Mr. Randy Miller will split the superintendent role’s responsibilities as the school board searches for a replacement during the interim.

“The Board of School Directors, Faculty and the Staff of the Laurel Highlands School District extends its appreciation to Dr. Wallace for his years of dedicated service to the students, staff, and community of Laurel Highlands, and wishes him well in his retirement,” a spokesperson said.

Wallace’s retirement comes after several staff members were accused of behaving inappropriately with students.

Former teacher Martin Gatti was accused of calling a female student into his classroom and asking her to kiss him.

Laurel Highlands rescinded Wallace’s three-year contract extension over the summer. Investigators say JROTC instructor Daniel Cervone admitted to having a sexual relationship with a student in 2020.

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