Case Dismissed Against Principal in Paddling Case
Tensions are easing in Fayette County, Tenn., where an official was cleared of an assault charge and an embattled superintendent is retiring.
Last month, a misdemeanor assault charge against David Edmonds, the assistant principal at Oakland Elementary School, was dismissed on a technicality. Mr. Edmonds had allegedly bruised a 9-year-old boy during a May 2 paddling. (See Education Week, 11/16/94.)
A circuit court judge ruled on Dec. 16 that evidence was presented later than laws allow.
Also, county Superintendent of Schools Dale Summitt resigned, effective Jan. 30. The board had already declined to renew his contract.
Mr. Summitt had been at odds with the board during his three-year tenure. At one point he had urged a state takeover of the district.