CINCINNATI -- Gamble Montessori High School principal Jack Jose cited "personal reasons" when he tendered his resignation to Cincinnati Public Schools July 31. On Friday, Superintendent Laura Mitchell elaborated in a letter to parents: Jose had admitted to "inappropriate electronic communications" with a former student who was still a minor.
Jose has not been charged with a crime but remains under investigation and has been "advised to stay away from Gamble Montessori and all CPS property," she wrote.
According to Mitchell's letter, the district learned about the messages July 9 and launched an immediate investigation, during which Jose confessed to inappropriate communications with the student. The district reported the incident to police, the Ohio Department of Education's Office of Professional Conduct and the Department of Jobs and Family Services' hotline for incidents of suspected child abuse.
"As Superintendent, it is my paramount responsibility and commitment to ensure the safety and security of all of our students," Mitchell wrote. "That's why we've followed this protocol of investigation and why I'm sharing this information with you today. I am committed to being as transparent about this situation as possible, given the parameters of the ongoing investigation."
Beth Ann Schnell will act as interim principal at Gamble Montessori for the 2018-'19 school year.
