West Cleveland News

The Rocky River City School District Board of Education is expected to accept the resignation of Heath Horton, who was placed on leave from his high school principal position after parents complained about inappropriate relationships with students. The school board will hold a special meeting on Nov. 2 to address the matter.

According to the agenda for the Special Board of Education Meeting, the school board will convene at 5:30 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 2, at 1101 Morewood Parkway Rocky River. The scheduled acceptance of Horton's resignation will be followed by an executive session to discuss personnel matters relating to complaints against one or more public employees.

Horton's leave was prompted by complaints from parents, and a police report revealed disturbing details. The report stated that Horton had been texting, drinking alcohol, and smoking cigars with 17 former students, ranging in age from 17 to 23. It also alleged that he had been asking 17-year-old students for sexual videos. Superintendent Michael Shoaf stated that the district would continue its own investigation with assistance from the police.

The controversy surrounding Horton's actions has led to a group of Rocky River parents starting an online petition. The Change.org petition, which has gathered 885 signatures as of Nov. 1, advocates for a Vote of No Confidence against four administrators in the Rocky River City School District. The parents are demanding the removal of Superintendent Michael Shoaf, Assistant Superintendent Elizabeth Anderson, Executive Director of Human Resources Samuel Gifford, and Executive Director of Pupil Services Jennifer Norman.

The Rocky River City School District Board of Education's acceptance of Horton's resignation will mark a significant development in this ongoing situation. The district will continue to address the concerns raised by parents and conduct a thorough investigation into the allegations against Horton.