MIKE STAPLES Following an internal investigation, Troup Independent School District accepted the resignation of Mike Staples, who has been the vice principal at Troup High School since the start of the 2010-2011 school year.

TISD Superintendent Dr. Marvin Beaty said he is lawfully unable to reveal details regarding specific matters regarding personnel, but did say that he concluded an inv estigation Monday, Nov. 22.

“We had a complaint and the complaint had merit,” Beaty said. “We concluded it was appropriate to end our professional relationship.

+ He elected to resign effective

immediately.”

Beaty said the district will not pay out the remainder of Staples’ contract for the year.

Staples was in his first year at Troup High School. According to his profile on the TISD Web site, he has been in education for 21 years, including 10 years as a principal and assistant principal. Beaty said discipline at the high school, one of Staples’ assignments, was being handled and that there was no indication that there was a problem.

Once the complaint was revealed, Beaty said the district took care it of immediately.

“It takes a toll on everyone when you go through an ordeal like this,” Beaty said.

TISD does a background check on all prospective employees and Beaty said the district did so before hiring Staples, who was previously employed by West Rusk ISD. Beaty said that there was no criminal history regarding Staples and that he had good references.

Following the complaint, Beaty said the district contacted all official agencies required, as is policy.

“To my knowledge there is not a criminal investigation and no charges pending,” he said.

There have been no previous complaints regarding Staples since he had been with TISD, Beaty said. Staples’ letter of resignation also indicated that he would be retiring.

TISD has posted to fill the vacated position of vice principal at the high school, though Beaty indicated it would be unlikely that it will be filled before the start of Januar y 2011.