Olentangy High School principal resigns months after sexual harassment complaint

Olentangy High School Principal Robert Griffiths, who was placed on administrative leave in October after a schools employee filed a sexual harassment/discrimination complaint against him, has resigned, the district said Friday afternoon.

Olentangy schools Superintendent Todd Meyer sent an email to parents at 3:30 p.m. notifying them that the Olentangy school board plans to accept his resignation at its Dec. 12 meeting.

"We are aware these past two months have been challenging for the Olentangy High School staff, students, and parents with uncertainty regarding Mr. Griffiths’ absence and the associated investigation. To protect the privacy of those involved, we cannot offer further details of the investigation," Meyer wrote in the email to parents.

"Olentangy Schools is committed to a school environment that allows our staff to flourish professionally, create and maintain positive relationships, and remain focused on facilitating maximum learning for every student. Professional behavior should model the behaviors we expect of our students," he wrote.

According to an Oct. 10 memo signed by Melany Ondrus, the district's Title IX coordinator and human resources director, the employee alleged that Griffiths continually made disparaging comments toward her since she began working at Olentangy High School in July 2022. That includes referring to her with derogatory terms for female genitalia at least 40 or 50 times, directly to her and to others, and referring to others with a similar term in her presence, the memo said.

Trond Smith, director of secondary schools and former Olentangy Orange High School principal, will continue as interim principal through Jan. 5. The district said it plans on hiring an interim principal for the rest of the school year.

mferench@dispatch.com

@MarkFerenchik

This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: Olentangy High principal resigns after sexual harassment complaint