South Rowan Principal suspended; Sheriff calls criminal complaint "unfounded" | Schools

LANDIS - WBTV has learned that the principal of South Rowan High School has been suspended from his job with pay, pending the outcome of an investigation.

Dr. Don Knox was escorted from the school grounds on Friday, according to witnesses. 

WBTV contacted the Sheriff's Office to see if there had been any legal action involving Knox. According to Captain John Sifford, a report said a former student filed a complaint against Knox on September 12.

Detectives did investigate, but determined the allegation was unfounded. According to the report, a former student named Tanner Hoke, told deputies he was assaulted by Dr. Knox in the hallway near the cafeteria in May. The report said Hoke "approached the principal with a question" regarding the graduation ceremonies.

Hoke claimed that Knox grabbed his jacket pulled Hoke toward him. Hoke said he did not report the incident when it happened because he did not want the stress or "possible retaliation," deputies said.

After the investigation the case was closed and considered unfounded. No charges were filed.

On Monday WBTV asked the Rowan Salisbury School System about the status of Knox.  This is the unedited reply received Monday afternoon:

South Rowan High School Principal Dr. Don Knox has been suspended with pay pending an investigation as of Friday, October 5, 2012.

As required by Board of Education policy and applicable state law, the Rowan-Salisbury School System is conducting a thorough investigation into the facts pertaining to the cause of the suspension and hopes to resolve this matter as soon as possible.

This is a confidential personnel matter and, therefore, we cannot address the nature of the cause of the suspension or any additional details regarding the investigation.
 
School system administrators are working closely with South Rowan High’s three Assistant Principals and the administrative team to ensure that student instruction and school events proceed without interruption during Dr. Knox’s absence.

We appreciate everyone’s cooperation as we proceed forward.