TOLEDO, Ohio — Rossford School officials spoke out openly for the first time regarding the investigation and resignation of Patrick Murtha.
The district owned up to their shortcomings and made promises for the future.
Board members and the superintendent took time Wednesday to apologize for parts of how they handled the investigation. But they also stood by some of the decisions made and for doing what's best for their students while growing from what they call a “troubling” situation that will not define them.
Rossford School's Board of Education members made their message clear Wednesday as they addressed the investigation into Patrick Murtha for the first time in front of the public.
"I acknowledge I learned a very, very valuable lesson in that,” Sharon Belkofer, Rossford School Board Member, said. “But I will tell you, I will not give up on my commitment to make sure that everything we do, everything we say will first be given first consideration for what's best for our children."
Superintendent Dan Creps admitted they have been quiet, but he said it was always to protect students. He sent a letter explaining their stance to their school family and community members about the investigation into their former high school principal and athletic director Patrick Murtha. The letter outlined their commitment to students, the hiring process that took place in 2004, Patrick Murtha’s resignation, transparency, and the sexual harassment policy.
"We feel confident in the overall outcome we met our goal of protecting our students,” Creps said. “We also learned about some things. We learned that we should have been quicker with the communication that we were able to communicate, that was certainly an issue that we wish we had done differently, and we will be working through that."
In the letter, Creps also admitted regret for signing a letter that was sent to some of the involved students. He said better word choice should have been used and he is sorry for any anger that stemmed from it.
But other school leaders said these aren't just words: they are learning from this experience and making changes to better handle situations in the future.
They said they are tightening their hiring process, adding additional checks, searches and more for prospective employees. Additionally, this summer a committee will meet to review the wording of their sexual harassment policy.
These changes were welcomed by some in the community.
"I think that the recognition of the concerns that the public has had was really important,” Brenna Reynolds, a resident in Rossford, said. “They clearly are interested in updating policies and making sure that it never happens again, and I was happy with the way they responded tonight."
The sexual misconduct case and its handling by the district caused much debate online and division within the community, while neighbors at the board meeting passionately plead for change. They said they want to see their community move past this negativity and focus on the good things happening in and around their district.
"We all want change,” Connie Schwiefert, a Rossford parent who spoke at Wednesday’s meeting, said. “But I've never seen true change come from two sides screaming at each other across the aisle "
"We want to move forward as a district,” Emily Klocko, mom to nine Rossford students, said. “We have a lot of outstanding people in our district and it's time to change the conversation and move on. Rossford deserves peace."
Creps said the district has reported Patrick Murtha to the Ohio Department of Education, which will ultimately decide what happens to his education license. He also said they are actively searching for someone to fill the role as assistant principal and athletic director using their new strict hiring guidelines.
