KC-area assistant principal resigns amid allegations involving students, graduate
An assistant principal at Oak Park High School has resigned after the district began investigating allegations about his recent interactions with an Oak Park graduate, as well as unverified social media reports regarding inappropriate relationships with students, the school principal told families in an email.
The Clay County Sheriff’s Office, which provides school resource deputies to the North Kansas City School District, released a statement saying it was not made aware of the allegations until Thursday morning, when it saw them on social media.
“We are investigating these claims, and we ask anyone who has information about them to please contact the Sheriff’s Office directly,” the sheriff’s office said in the statement. “Current students of staff can contact their school resource deputy.”
The sheriff’s office said it will work with the North Kansas City School District to determine the facts in the case, adding that student safety is the top priority.
In a letter sent to families of students and staff members, Oak Park High School principal Molly Smith wrote that the school learned of allegations involving one of its assistant principals and his recent interactions with an Oak Park graduate over the winter break. The school’s human resources team opened an investigation into the allegations.
“In accordance with our standard practice, he was placed on administrative leave,” Smith said. “He has since submitted his resignation and won’t be returning to any role within the district.”
Smith said the school takes all reports seriously and is conducting a thorough investigation. She added that the school district is governed by privacy laws that prevent it from discussing the details of ongoing investigations or the specifics related to teacher and staff discipline issues.
“We are aware of additional social media reports alleging this person has had inappropriate relationships with current students,” Smith said. “To date, we have not been able to verify these reports.”
The Star has confirmed that the assistant principal resigned this week, but is not naming him because he hasn’t been charged, the district would not confirm whether he is the subject of the allegations, and he could not be reached for comment.
Anyone with information is asked to contact the district’s human resources department at 816-321-5000. They can also contact Sgt. Jeremy Fahrmeier with the Clay County Sheriff’s Office at 816-407-3765.
