LEWIS CENTER, Ohio — The principal of Olentangy Orange High School has been placed on paid administrative leave after the district said they initiated an investigation.
Olentangy Local School District Superintendent Todd Meyer said Principal Monica Asher was officially placed on leave on Thursday. Ellie Ellis, the current Olentangy Orange High School assistant principal, will serve as lead administrator while she is on leave.
"The best interests of our students and staff remain our top priority, and we will work to ensure students, families, and staff are not impacted further," Meyer said.
The district confirmed there is an ongoing investigation into Asher but could not specify further details at this time.
The investigation comes after a newsletter that Asher sent to staff members contained messaging about the 2024 election.
"I can’t write a message that pretends like the election didn’t happen; especially when so many of you are struggling with how to move forward. I know you are struggling with how to move forward with your students who are afraid, but also how to move forward with colleagues that don’t share your views. This week, I saw pain, uncertainty, and division. I have to be honest, I am not entirely sure how to tell you how to move forward," Asher wrote in part.
Asher has been the principal of Olentangy Orange since 2022.