The principal of Perry Traditional Academy is on paid leave from the city school district pending an investigation into a personnel matter.
Pittsburgh Public Schools spokeswoman Ebony Pugh confirmed that James Cooper, who was hired in 2016, has been on leave since April 9.
She declined to elaborate on the circumstances surrounding his suspension. District solicitor Ira Weiss also declined to say more, saying only that Mr. Cooper is on administrative leave while the district investigates the personnel matter.
“The district will be discussing what future steps need to be taken,” Mr. Weiss said, adding that he expects the issue to be resolved within the next couple weeks.
Perry assistant principal Jeffrey Spadafore is the administrator in charge at the North Side school during Mr. Cooper's absence, Ms. Pugh said.
Mr. Cooper was hired in September 2016 from the Palm Beach County School District in Florida, where superintendent Anthony Hamlet previously worked. Mr. Cooper was hired by that district in 2004, and appointed assistant principal at Lake Worth Community High School in 2012, according to a district news release at the time of his hiring in Pittsburgh.
Elizabeth Behrman: Lbehrman@post-gazette.com, 412-263-1590 or @Ebehrman on Twitter.
First Published: May 10, 2018, 2:55 p.m.
