Glendale principal exonerated from 17 harassment allegations
The Madison School District on Monday released a 27-page investigative report (PDF) exonerating Glendale Elementary Principal Mickey Buhl of multiple accusations of “misconduct and harassment” levied by or on behalf of a dozen current and former staff members at the school, located at 1201 Tompkins Drive, on the south east side.
The complaints cover incidents or disagreements covering the five years Buhl has been principal. Many concern the way in which Buhl discussed work performance with employees or attempted to mediate disputes among staff members. The report indicates that staff climate issues and concerns predated Buhl’s tenure at the school.
It’s nice to see the local media report on someone being exonerated, since they are so quick to report allegations and rarely report on a subsequent finding of innocence!
Principal Buhl’s exoneration seemed more technical than actual. That is, his behavior was not within the definition of misconduct and harassment. However, the report specifically recommends seemingly substantial changes in Buhl’s behavior based on specific incidents at Glendale.
From reading the investigative reports, it does seem to indicate significant conflict within Glendale during the years reviewed, and Buhl’s skills seemed to exacerbate the problems there rather than addressing them.