Ally Danford
eSomethin staff
Perrysburg High School principal Aaron Cookson requested an administrative leave of absence through January 31, 2025, following an investigation that revealed he failed to properly report allegations of a staff member’s reported misconduct. This leave request was approved, and he will not return to Perrysburg Schools.
Prior to Cookson’s leave, PHS physical education teacher and assistant athletic director John Henline was under investigation following alleged misconduct with multiple students. Henline was placed on administrative leave to prevent contact with students.
“We would take steps toward his termination if he did not resign,” Board of Education President, Susan Rowland Miller, said of Henline in a statement during the January 21 board of Education meeting. Henline’s resignation was accepted.
Leading up to Henline’s resignation, Cookson was made aware of allegations against Henline by students.
“The investigation findings also raised questions about whether Principal Aaron Cookson’s actions met the school district’s expectations for handling sensitive allegations,” Rowland Miller said.
Dave Dakolios, an assistant principal at the high school, has been named interim principal in the wake of Cookson’s departure.
Dakolios assured students that staff will try their hardest to keep everything at PHS “normal” despite recent major changes.
“I know this is highly unusual… ‘Continue [senior video, prom,] as they have always happened’ – that’s our goal,” Dakolios said at a class meeting of current PHS seniors on January 29.
Director of Student Services & Wellbeing, Justin Fults, expressed his concerns for PHS students. He emphasized the priority for the care of students.
“You deserve to feel safe physically, mentally, and emotionally every day you’re here… Your personal concerns matter and deserve to be respected,” Fults said.
“We want this to be your home,” said Perrysburg Superintendent Tom Hosler at the class meeting.
PHS students are encouraged to voice any concerns they may have regarding faculty by sending an email to [email protected].
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