Jeffersonville High School principal placed on paid leave

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October 18, 2012

Jeffersonville High School principal placed on paid leave

Superintendent mum on details, but said James Sexton is not being punished

By JEROD CLAPP jerod.clapp@newsandtribune.com The News and Tribune Thu Oct 18, 2012, 06:00 PM EDT

JEFFERSONVILLE — The principal at Jeffersonville High School has been placed on paid administrative leave, but Greater Clark County Schools hasn’t said why.

James Sexton said he hasn’t been told why he’s been taken out of his office and isn’t sure when he’ll return.

“I have not been charged with anything, I have not been suspended, I have not been terminated,” Sexton said. “All I was told was I would be on administrative leave until I was otherwise notified.”

A news release from the district says Sexton hasn’t been disciplined by administrators.

“Mr. James Sexton, Jeffersonville High School principal, is not in the office,” the release says. “No disciplinary action has been taken against Mr. Sexton. Greater Clark County Schools has no further comment.”

A Jeffersonville High School teacher who spoke under the condition of anonymity said a meeting was held at the school after classes Thursday with superintendent Andrew Melin. Melin told teachers to continue teaching as if Sexton were in the building and didn’t know when he was returning, the teacher said.

Christina Gilkey, Greater Clark board president, said she would only reiterate what the district published in its release.

But Nancy Kraft, board member, said she got a call Wednesday night from Melin who told her that Sexton would be on administrative leave until he finished an investigation on Sexton.

Ernie Gilbert, board member, was reached, but said it would be inappropriate for him to comment.

Board members Jerry White, Kevin Satterly, Mark Pavey and Becka Christensen were also called for comment, but could not be reached.

Sexton maintained his innocence, even though he has not been told why he’s being investigated.

“I am very disappointed because I’ve done nothing wrong. I’ve got a great school, great students and great staff, I felt very good about the progress we were making,” he said.

Sexton was part of the team hired when the previous superintendent, Stephen Daeschner was brought on board. Other Daeschner employees who have left the district include Tom Galovic, the former chief financial officer and Martin Bell, the former chief operating officer.