Principal Resigns Amid Sex Probe
Web Producer: Tracey Christensen
Reported by: Joel Thomas
Originally posted at 11Alive.com (WXIA-TV Atlanta)
The principal of Woodstock High School in Cherokee County has announced his resignation following the arrest of three social studies teachers on sex charges.
"I feel that as the direct supervisor of all Woodstock High School teachers and as principal of Woodstock High School, I want to enable this school and community to have a fresh start," Principal J. Rick Ingram wrote in his resignation letter to the school board and the superintendent.
Just this week, a teacher who recently resigned from the school was arrested on sexual battery and sexual assault charges. Police allege that 25-year-old Gene Royce Groves, the head boys' soccer coach, carried on a romantic relationship with a female student.
In February, history teacher Bradley Chapman quit his job after allegations he carried on a relationship with a 15-year-old female student. Chapman was charged with enticing a child for indecent purposes and child molestation. After bonding out on those charges, he was re-arrested on aggravated assault charges in connection with the case.
In March, the 29 year old assistant baseball coach, cheerleading coach and social studies teacher, Paul Adams, was charged with criminal intent to commit sexual assault and failure to report child abuse. Police say Adams passed a suggestive note to a 17-year-old female student in an attempt to start up an affair. They also accused Adams of knowing about Chapman's affair but not reporting it.
The school superintendent told 11Alive News that he intends to recommend to the school board that Principal Ingram's resignation be accepted. A successor will likely be named at the next board meeting on April 19.
Excerpts from Principal Ingram's resignation letter:
"As you all know, the events of the last month surrounding certain teachers under my supervision has brought shame, ridicule, and embarrassment to the administration, staff, teachers, and most importantly students at Woodstock High School. Although, I have acted professionally and responsibly in regard to the reporting and subsequent investigation of the misconduct of these teachers, I feel that as the direct supervisor of all Woodstock High School teachers and as principal of Woodstock High School, I want to enable this school and community to have a fresh start, accordingly, I hereby tender my resignation effect July 1, 2001."
The letter went on to read:
"In my remaining time at WHS, I will do everything in my power to work with parents, students, and teachers to put a plan in place to assure that the healing of the Woodstock High School community begins immediately and to restore the good name and reputation of Woodstock High School."
Criminal Charges Against Teachers
Gene Groves: Two counts sexual battery, four counts sexual assault.
Paul Adams: Attempted sexual assault, failure to report suspected child abuse.
Bradley Chapman: Child molestation, enticing a child for indecent purposes, aggravated assault.
