YORK COUNTY, Va. — York County School Division's superintendent sent a message to members of the Mt. Vernon Elementary School community Thursday explaining that their principal was on administrative leave.
Dr. Victor Shandor said the reason was a personal legal matter involving Kristin Bolam, which the division was addressing through "personnel processes."
The legal matter involved a charge of Domestic Assault out of James City County.
A spokeswoman for the James City County Police Department said a doctor's office contacted officers on May 3. Staff members said a boy who had come to the office had scratches on his neck and a bruise on his leg. Bolam, who is related to him, supposedly assaulted him.
Officers investigated, and they arrested Bolam on June 14.
Prior to the communication from Shandor on Thursday, the school division had not informed the Mt. Vernon community about the incident officially.
Here is the full email which Shandor sent:
Dear Mt. Vernon Families,
As you may be aware, principal Kristin Bolam is currently on administrative leave due to a personal legal matter which the division is addressing through personnel processes.
While the division does not typically share personnel matters with parents and staff, I felt it important to communicate with you today to address any possible misconceptions regarding this situation.
Per division practices and expectations, Ms. Bolam self-reported that she was the subject of an investigation into allegations against her in another locality. These allegations did not involve any YCSD students. It is division policy to initiate administrative leave upon confirmation of legal proceedings involving staff members, pending the resolution of the case.
Our division leadership team is working with Mt. Vernon administrators and office staff to support the day-to-day operations of the school and to ensure the needs of our staff and families are met.
I want to thank you for your continued support of Mt. Vernon Elementary School and the York County School Division.
Sincerely,
Victor Shandor, Ed.D.
Division Superintendent