Abington Senior High Principal Placed On Administrative Leave

ABINGTON TOWNSHIP, PA — One day after 200 Abington Senior High School students staged a one-hour ICE protest, the high school principal has been placed on administrative leave as school officials investigate allegations of inappropriate social media posts.

In an email to the Abington school community obtained by Patch, the school administration stated that Swift was placed on administrative leave, effective Thursday, after the district received allegations of inappropriate social media posts that it was investigating.

Schools Superintendent Jeffrey Fecher told Patch on Thursday that the administrative leave is not related to the student walkout.

"Dr. Swift has been placed on administrative leave pending the outcome of an investigation," the superintendent said in a statement to Patch. "The administration has support in place at the high school to ensure continuity of operations and a stable learning environment for students.

Fecher said that since the leave is a personnel matter, the district is unable to provide further information at this time.

"We will share additional updates regarding Dr. Swift’s return as more information becomes available," the superintendent said.

The district said that High School Assistant Principal Ronald Brison would assume Swift's duties in the interim.

"We understand that any change in school leadership, even if temporary, can raise concerns, and we appreciate your patience and partnership as we navigate this situation," the email stated.

On Wednesday, Swift sent an email obtained by Patch to parents and guardians on Wednesday about the ICE protest, stating that the student-led walkout started at 7:48 a.m. and concluded around 8:48 a.m.

"I am proud to share that the walkout occurred with zero incidents," Swift stated. "I want to extend sincere appreciation and gratitude to the more than 200 scholars who participated for demonstrating outstanding conduct, civility, and respect throughout the event. Their voices and speeches reflected positivity and thoughtfulness. I also want to thank the scholars who chose to remain in class and exercised their right to make a decision in the best interest of themselves. We respect and value all scholars' choices and perspectives."

Swift thanked the school board, superintendent, assistant superintendent, the Abington Police Department, Central Office staff, ASHS Administration, Security, the School Resource Officer, and the school district's faculty and staff, as "their presence and support helped ensure a safe and orderly morning for our school community.