Plum School Board Votes To Reinstate Superintendent

PLUM (KDKA) -- On the heels of a legal firm releasing its findings into the handling of the teacher-student sex scandal at Plum High School, the board has voted to reinstate the superintendent.

The legal firm that conducted the investigation knew it first had some explaining to do before the board voted.

"Remember, the conduct of those teachers was deplorable and shameful," said Michael Levin, of the Levin Legal Group.

But the administrator's actions weren't criminal, according to Levin Legal Group. Now, the superintendent, Dr. Timothy Glasspool, will resume his duties.

"Since he didn't not find any charges against Dr. Glasspool with regards to the school code, I support his findings," said Kevin Dowdell, the school board president.

The board voted 4-3 to reinstate Glasspool, who had been on administrative leave after the release of that scathing grand jury report.

"I believe there was an institutional failure to properly investigate, document and report allegations of inappropriate staff relationships with students in a timely manner which occurred over several years," said Sue Caldwell, a school board member.

"They should not be permitted to work in Plum or with children ever," said Karin Aquaviva, a parent. "I have zero trust in these men, and truthfully, this board that if something happens again that anybody will stand for our children."

Christine D'Antonio's Report:

"Unfortunately, we'll have to deal with Dr. Glasspool for the next four years; and hopefully, after that we can begin to heal as a community," another parent, Sean Richardson, said.

Before the meeting, school board member Michelle Stepnick resigned from her position.

She posted on Facebook: "I will continue to advocate for our children, but the private agendas are too much. This is something I've been thinking over for some time and tonight's meeting put me over the edge."

Join The Conversation On The KDKA Facebook Page
Stay Up To Date, Follow KDKA On Twitter

Two teachers, Jason Cooper and Joseph Ruggieri, have since been convicted of having sexual relationships with students. A third is expected to plead guilty next month.

The meeting had to be moved to the junior high school building to accommodate the crowd.