DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. — The principal of Mainland High School has been placed on paid leave just one week before the start of the school year, the Volusia County Schools chairman confirmed Monday.
- Mainland High School principal placed on paid administrative leave
- School Board chief: Leave not related to fake AP exam controversy
- Volusia Schools: We don't comment on personnel issues
Cheryl Salerno had been reprimanded over the distribution of hundreds of fake AP exams at the Daytona Beach high school, but Chairman Carl Persis said Monday that Salerno was placed on leave over another allegation not related to the AP tests.
A state investigation determined 336 students were given a mock AP test instead of a real one, after they went through a seminar course this past school year. Only 78 students got the real test to earn college credit.
The county's Professional Standards committee met earlier Monday to review findings from the other allegation, which was not disclosed. As a result of its findings, it made the recommendation to the superintendent to put Salerno on administrative leave.
What the allegation is will not be released until after teachers are told about it Tuesday during their first day back.
"As for questions regarding personnel matters, we do not comment on personnel issues," a Volusia Schools spokesperson said in a written statement issued Tuesday. "I cannot confirm or deny that there was an investigation or action taken. I can only say the professional standards committee did meet yesterday (Monday), and it will be at least ten days before a public information request would be honored regarding the content of that meeting."
Tim Huth, a former Mainland principal, will serve in the role for the year. Huth retired eight years ago. He recently had applied to be the interim superintendent.