Principal returns after inquiry

An investigation has determined that Puyallup High School Principal Mike Joyner had kissed female staff members on the job, but that the conduct was not sexual harassment.

Joyner returned to work Friday, but the investigator recommends the school district write him a “strongly worded letter of reprimand.” He recommends Joyner be told that physical demonstrations of thanks or affection in the workplace are not welcome to many women and should be stopped.

The investigator found at least six “unwelcome” incidents of Joyner kissing females took place in the 2004-05 and 2006-07 school years. The kisses involved three staff members and one student. They said Joyner kissed them on the cheek, and, in one case, on the lips.

The report says it appeared Joyner didn’t realize his actions offended some women.