Eads gets support, no charges

General Shanks Elementary School principal Michael Eads has been cleared of any criminal wrongdoing after an investigation into an allegation that he had struck students.

But Eads continues to be on administrative leave, Superintendent Tim Long said Monday, and his situation is still "under review."

Long gave no indication how long that review would continue.

Jay County Prosecutor Robert Clamme said Monday, "We're not filing anything or taking any action at all. We've reviewed it, and the decision is that there is to be no further criminal inquiry and no charges."

Eads, a popular teacher and administrator in Jay Schools for 32 years, was placed on leave in April after school officials contacted police about an alleged incident in February.

School patrons appeared before the Jay School Board in late April to speak on the behalf of Eads and attest to his character, and more than 50 were on hand Monday night to repeat their call that Eads be returned to his post.

"I get the idea you guys would like to shove him out the door and bring in someone that you can pay less," Dorcas Fields, Portland, told the board Monday.

Retired elementary teacher Judith Smith said, "I think you have unfairly created chaos in this man's family. ... He is one great man. ... Get Michael Eads back where he needs to be."

Board members listened to comments from members of Eads's family, his church, and General Shanks school patrons for more than an hour but declined to comment on the situation.

"We don't discuss children or staff in public," board president Bryan Alexander said.

That did not satisfy those on hand in support of the principal.

"This is a man's life that has been upended," said John Schisler, Portland. "I don't see what the delay is."

"Michael Eads has an accuser somewhere, and I'd like to know who that accuser is," said former Jay County commissioner Ed Nixon, who urged the board to "support their principal 100 percent."

"If that man had hit a student, you wouldn't have to fire him. He would have resigned," said Tim Koons.

"I just know what a positive role model he is for kids," said retired teacher Warren Lowe, who taught with Eads at Bloomfield Elementary School then later taught under Eads at Shanks.

In all about 20 people spoke on Eads's behalf.

One, Brenda Rowles, spoke against him. "My kids hated going to General Shanks," she told the board. "I hope he stays on leave."

Craig Campbell, assistant principal at East Jay Middle School, has been serving as interim principal at General Shanks.

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