A Kentucky high school principal has been suspended and placed on administrative leave following the death of the school's athletic director Jason Howell, according to reports.
The cause of Howell's death, which occurred on Tuesday, is under investigation by authorities. The Fayette County Coroner Gary Ginn said it's being probed as a possible suicide, according to the Lexington Herald-Leader.
District officials released a statement explaining that the principal of the Paul Laurence Dunbar High School, Marlon Ball, was placed on leave. District spokeswoman Lisa Deffendall spoke on Wednesday about the situation and the grief felt in the community.
"Our FCPS community is grieving Mr. Howell's passing along with the staff, students, and families at Paul Laurence Dunbar High School. When one of our schools is hurting, the impact is felt districtwide," she said.
"We are aware of the concerns raised by members of the Dunbar staff," the statement said.
"Reports of this nature are taken seriously and will be fully investigated. Per our normal human resources procedures, Dunbar Principal Marlon Ball has been placed on administrative leave. As with any personnel matter, we are unable to comment further."
Ball was placed on leave, with pay for up to 20 days, following an allegation of "inappropriate conduct," according to a WKYT report.
Ball initially sent an email to parents announcing the death of Howell on Tuesday, according to Ginn. On Wednesday, another email was sent to parents, this one from Superintendent Demetrus Liggins, which announced Ball's administrative leave.
Liggins added: "Typically we do not comment on personnel matters and cannot provide details at this time. However, due to the public nature of the situation, we wanted to provide clarification to families."
One staff member at the school said it had been difficult working under the leadership of Ball, who joined the school this year.
"We've all struggled under Mr. Ball's leadership, and after losing a beloved colleague we can't stay quiet," said Sharessa Bentley-Crovo, a teacher and member of Dunbar's School council, according to the Lextington Herald-Leader report.
She continued: "We can't stay quiet. Harassing and bullying cannot be tolerated in the workplace. Also, we are situated to move forward with a 'vote of no confidence' as a full staff."
Newsweek has contacted the Paul Laurence Dunbar High School and the Lexington Police Department for comment.
"If you or someone you know is considering suicide, please contact the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline by dialing 988, text "988" to the Crisis Text Line at 741741 or go to 988lifeline.org."
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Gerrard Kaonga is a Newsweek U.S. News Reporter and is based in London, U.K. His focus is reporting on U.S. ... Read more
