Head of Georgia School for the Deaf learns of probe and quits

From: Augusta Chronicle, GA - 20 Feb 2003

Associated Press

ROME, Ga. -- The head of the Georgia School for the Deaf resigned Jan. 31, the same day she learned of her suspension for alleged misconduct.

Patricia Pike, 63, who has served as education director at the state-funded Cave Spring school for seven years, officially left on Feb. 7.

Georgia Department of Education officials did not give any details of the alleged misconduct or say if the investigation is still ongoing.

An open records request filed by the Rome News-Tribune to the GDOE for Pike's personnel file revealed on Jan. 31 - the same day she wrote her letter of resignation - she received a letter from Erin M. Elmore, deputy director of human resources for the education department. It notified her she was being suspended with pay pending an investigation into alleged misconduct.

All parties involved declined comment.

Russell Fleming, dean of students at the school for the deaf and hard of hearing from ages 3 to 21, assumed duties as the interim director on Feb. 10.

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