The county’s school board has asked two Inspectors General to investigate allegations surrounding a school principal, an investigation that could potentially proceed following one currently underway.
“Recently, the Board has asked the Montgomery County Inspector General and the Maryland Inspector General for Education to investigate the reported allegations,” according to Tuesday’s letter from Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS) Board President Karla Silvestre, addressed to Councilmembers Will Jawando, Gabe Albornoz and Kristin Mink as the council’s Education and Culture Committee.
This month, The Washington Post reported that Paint Branch High School principal Joel Beidleman has had sexual harassment complaints filed against him and was recently promoted to principal. He was placed on extended leave as of Aug. 4.
Per the letter, the Inspectors General “will evaluate the appropriate next steps for their offices” after the current “fact-finding” investigation concludes. The Inspectors General choose which investigations they undertake, Silvestre’s letter clarifies.
MCPS has already hired the Jackson Lewis law firm to conduct the investigation surrounding the reported allegations toward Joel Beidleman. The decision drew reaction and criticism from leaders including Elrich, councilmembers and the teachers union.
In a joint statement from Jawando, Albornoz and Mink, the councilmembers voiced their support for involving the inspectors general.
“The committee supports the Board’s efforts to engage the inspectors general and echoes their request to investigate the reported allegations following Jackson Lewis’ initial investigation,” they stated. According to the statement, the Jackson Lewis investigation is expected to be done Sept. 8 and the council committee will hold a meeting about the subject on Sept. 28.
Last week, Silvestre said she already has been in contact with the county inspector general, and welcomed the support and collaboration. In her letter Tuesday, she wrote that the school board will continue to engage with the Inspectors General as the first phase is concluded.
Elrich has voiced his support for county or state inspectors general doing the investigation. Councilmember Dawn Luedtke and Council President Evan Glass had sent a letter to state and county inspectors general asking them to conduct an investigation, and asked MCPS to stop the Jackson Lewis law firm’s work.
“This is a step in the right direction. We need the Inspectors General involved in this investigation,” Glass stated following Tuesday’s letter.
