Riverside High School principal says no reason given for administrative leave

The principal of Riverside High School in Chattaroy has been on paid administrative leave for nearly a month, but his attorney said he has no idea why.

Principal John McCoy received a letter from the superintendent dated May 3 that notified him he was being placed on paid leave for an investigation into “allegations involving your conduct.” He was ordered to return all school district property, stay off school district grounds and not speak to anyone in the community about the investigation.

Attorney Kammi Mencke Smith said in a written statement that McCoy followed all those rules. She said she released a statement about the situation because the district released the letter McCoy was sent. McCoy has not been provided any information about why he was put on leave, the statement said.

“Principal McCoy is confident that he has not engaged in conduct that warrants either administrative leave or termination,” the statement said. “He looks forward to being able to address the allegations (once they are known to him), looks forward to returning to work, and thanks the Riverside community for their support.”

Riverside School District Superintendent Roberta Kramer could not be reached for comment Friday afternoon.