JOHNS CREEK, Ga.,None — The principal of Chattahoochee High School has written an open letter to parents in which he denies any wrongdoing.
Tim Duncan faces charges stemming from a Sept. 25 incident at the school in which 13-year-old Calvin White alleges the veteran educator slammed him up against a locker as he helped set up for the Taste of Johns Creek event.
Fulton County School police reviewed surveillance video of the incident and questioned witnesses before deciding there was probable cause to charge him. Duncan was never arrested.
"Through their individual investigations, DFACS and our Human Resources Department have found no evidence to suggest that I caused or intended to cause physical harm to others," Duncan wrote in the letter posted Wednesday afternoon. "It is always a serious situation whenever our children's well-being is questioned. Please know that our school system takes all allegations seriously and will investigate to the fullest extent. Please know that student safety has always been my first priority at Chattahoochee High School. Your continued support is always appreciated."
http://bcove.me/jmqmot36
Duncan told Channel 2's Mike Petchenik Wednesday that he was attempting to stop White and some other middle school students who were running, unsupervised through the school.
"I do feel I'll be vindicated when it comes to trial," he told Petchenik.
Parent Felicia Takacs has a freshman at the high school, and another who recently graduated. She told Petchenik the allegations were uncharacteristic of the principal she knows.
"I wouldn't think Principal Duncan would ever do anything to harm a child," she said.
White's mother, Theresa Thomas, told Petchenik she was angered by the letter. She believes Duncan is being dishonest.
"He can continue to post letters, can continue to lie, he can continue to do all of these things, but I will see him in court," she said.
Duncan is due back before a magistrate court judge January 4.
WSBTV
