A school administrator in the middle of a controversy over several encounters between adults and students at a suburban high school is resigning from one of his roles in the district.
Kevin Murray, principal of Woodland Hills Junior Senior High School, is stepping down as head football coach, according to his attorney, Phil DiLucente.
Murray
after serving as an assistant coach, not long after a 14-year-old student allegedly had his teeth knocked out by a school resource officer at the high school.
"He really believes if the kids want to succeed this year, the only way that can happen at this late point is to resign," DiLucente said.
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Murray was on paid leave for two months last winter after a recording surfaced of him allegedly threatening to punch another 14-year-old student. The Allegheny County District Attorney later determined that Murray would not face charges.
"I think this is a victory for the children," said parent Tina Doose. "That's what we've always been concerned about."
She learned about the resignation after it was posted on Facebook. She believes he should be removed as principal as well.
"I don't know Mr. Murray. This all about getting fairness and justice for those children," Doose said. "Nowhere in that letter did I see where he apologized to the true victims."
Kevin Murray is out as Woodland Hills football coach. Why his attorney hopes he can remain Principal @ 5:15 on #WPXIhttps://t.co/nnIvJ1YVP3
— Aaron Martin (@WPXIAaronMartin) August 9, 2017
"We are hopeful he can come back some day and teach all of the beautiful students at Woodland Hills," DiLucente said.
He is currently on unpaid leave as the Pennsylvania Department of Education decides whether to renew his teaching license.
An attorney for students who have accused the school of a pattern of abuse posted
on Facebook.
Channel 11 contacted the district for a comment and has not heard back.
It's unclear how long it will take the state Department of Education to decide on Murray's educator's license.
Cox Media Group