Southeast cites ‘professional misconduct’ in employee resignations

Southeast schools Superintendent Bob Dunn said “professional misconduct” is the reason for the sudden resignations of two district employees, but no students were involved and no further information has been released.

Southeast High School Principal Josh Herndon and Data Coach Amber Vankirk were placed on administrative leave after what Dunn termed “unspecified allegations” came to light about them Nov. 30, Dunn said. They submitted resignation letters effective Dec. 12, which the district’s board of education is expected to accept during its Dec. 19 meeting.

“I can assure you that no students were involved in the allegations or the follow-up investigation,” Dunn said, citing legal ramifications for not clarifying the nature of the professional misconduct.

Subsequent to the board’s anticipated action, Dunn said he may be able to shed more light on disciplinary action related to Herndon and Vankirk. 

Meanwhile, Steve Sigworth, a 1984 graduate of Southeast High School who has been serving as the district’s middle and high school assistant principal, was tapped to replace Herndon.

The district will name a new assistant after the holiday break, Dunn said.