Rigg’s email said Miller’s administrative leave “will extend through the duration of our investigation into the matter.”
Trevor Block, dean of academics at Bishop Fenwick High School, will serve as the school’s acting administrator.
Rigg told The Journal Saturday that he could not on the newest allegation reported on Friday but said he felt in necessary to place Miller on administrative leave that afternoon. He said that was why Miller was not at Fenwick’s graduation ceremonies later that evening that was held at St. Susanna Parish in Mason.
“It is important to us to be thorough in our investigation,” Rigg said. “Our interest is to move swiftly but not at the sacrifice of thoroughness.”
Miller, who has been principal since July 2009, was accused of allegedly being intoxicated and making comments encouraging students to behave in a sexual manner at the school’s May 11 prom, Fenwick officials said in a letter to parents.
Early last week, Rigg said his office determined that Miller’s alleged misconduct and behavior at Fenwick’s prom on May 11 in West Chester Twp. did not rise to the level of formal action.
The letter sent to parents May 18 said Rigg’s office “conducted a thorough investigation” and based on their findings “determined that Mr. Miller was not under the influence of alcohol nor did he encourage students to behave in a sexual manner.” The letter stated that Miller did make some comments of a questionable manner and the school had taken action accordingly. However, based on its investigation, the school did not take formal employment action.
However, on Thursday, Rigg said the Archdiocese reopened the investigation after more complaints were received from parents.
Rigg said his office has not ruled out all allegations and is continuing to address questions.
“We’re taking this very seriously, and we are focusing on what happened at the prom,” Rigg said. “We are following up on all communications. ... Our top priority is to make sure students are protected and are safe.”
However, Rigg also said he has to ensure that all employees are treated in a fair and just manner.
“We can only act on firsthand observations (of the alleged misconduct),” he said.
Miller did not return a message earlier this week to comment on the matter.
Parents told The Journal that they were “outraged,” “livid” and “upset” about the matter.
Rigg said this “won’t be swept under the rug” and said anyone with concerns should contact his office. “We want to make sure our students are in a safe, healthy Catholic environment and that our leaders are exemplary role models of those values.”
Contact this reporter at (513) 696-4504 or Ed.Richter@coxinc.com.
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