Huber principal placed on leave

The principal of Valley Forge Elementary School is on administrative leave pending an investigation into “unprofessional behavior online,” Huber Heights City Schools Superintendent Susan Gunnell confirmed Thursday.

Students were sent home from school this week with a letter informing parents that Larry Sussman “will be out on leave for a period of time”and that Jeremy Monroe has been assigned to “acting building principal” starting Jan. 4.

The letter did not provide a reason for Sussman’s departure.

A review of Sussman’s personnel file Friday does indicate he’s been on the paid administrative leave since Dec. 8. A letter from the district superintendent to the principal only says Sussman is being investigated for “possible misconduct; specifically that you allegedly engaged in inappropriate and unprofessional behavior online.”

Sussman also received a written reprimand in September 2010 for inappropriate use of a personal cell phone that resulted in negative feelings from administrative staff, according to the documents.

Sussman’s professional evaluations include both commendations and areas for growth, including the need to follow proper procedure for reimbursements.

Gunnell said she was unable to release additional information because the investigation into Sussman’s actions are “still active,” but Sgt. Charles Taylor, public information officer for the Huber Heights Police Division, said no criminal report has been filed. Sussman’s name has not appeared in police records since 2014, when he reported an incident that took place at the school.

“I will pray that this is not true because he has always been a good man and come off as very good with the children,” said Helen Helmer as she waited pick up her grandson, a second-grader at Valley Forge, after school Thursday.

Monroe previously served in an administrative capacity as instructional coach at Valley Forge for three years beginning with the 2011-2012 school year. His most recent assignment has been at the high school.

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