Judge rejects suspension of a principal’s teaching certificate after principal resigns.

The Professional Standards Commission sought to suspend Petitioner’s teaching certificate for 90 days after she resigned as principal at the Ivy Preparatory Academy at Kirkwood for Boys after providing only five days’ notice. Petitioner became principal shortly after the school was granted its charter. The opening of the school was rushed due to the timing of the grant and the administration was forced to operate under a draft budget that was dependent on the school obtaining federal grants for start-up costs. Petitioner resigned because she was concerned about the possible improper use of grant funds and believed that the school’s financial decisions were unwise or unethical. Respondent asserted that Petitioner violated the Code of Ethics by resigning without providing two weeks’ notice. However, Respondent failed to present any evidence that the Code of Ethics specified the amount of notice an educator must give before resigning. Additionally, Petitioner signed a contract that specifically stated that she was an at-will employee. The Judge rejected the suspension because Petitioner did not violate any ethical policies.