LEECHBURG, Pa. — Multiple staff members in the Leechburg Area School District, including the high school principal and assistant principal, have been placed on administrative leave.
Principal Matthew Kruluts was escorted off school property and placed on administrative leave Thursday, the final school day of the year. Channel 11 News learned that Assistant Principal Michelle Ferretti was also placed on leave.
According to Leechburg Police Chief Mike Diebold, the move related to earlier claims that weren't reported by district officials.
The Leechburg solicitor released the following statement Thursday:
"Teachers should be role models," said parent Randy Hamilton.
“Student safety is the top priority of the Leechburg Area School District. The district has been made aware of allegations that certain staff members did not report alleged child abuse to the proper authorities. The district is cooperating fully with police and CYF investigations. The staff members have been placed on administrative leave pending finalization of this investigation.”
The investigation comes after a
[ substitute teacher was accused of having inappropriate contact with female students ]
.
"They've had a tough year," Hamilton said. "I hope it gets better."
According to police, as they investigated the substitute teacher, at least 10 female students came forward and told teachers and Kruluts about the substitute's alleged behavior.
No criminal charges have been filed against any district official.
Some seniors told Channel 11 News that they were frustrated about the district’s decision to announce the paid leaves on the day of graduation.
“We have 55 students who are about to enter into the world. It's their last day of high school which should be that they are the ones celebrated. That they're the ones that everyone's attention should be on right now,” former student Sara Bradbury said.
While Bradbury said she understands that changes needed to happen, she said she thinks it could've been handled much more differently.
“It was strange. They were escorted out today. (It) could've been done yesterday. (It) could've been done tomorrow,” Bradbury said.