For the first time since placing its superintendent on paid leave in October, the Carmel Clay Schools board of trustees publicly addressed the matter at its Jan. 8 meeting.
School Board President Layla Spanenberg read a statement just before the meeting was adjourned.
“The school board wants the community to know that the board continues to work toward resolving the employment status of Dr. Nicholas Wahl,” Spanenberg said. “To do this, the board is consulting with legal counsel to be sure it complies with the constraints imposed by Indiana law and Dr. Wahl’s employment contracts as a superintendent and teacher. As this is a personnel matter, the board will not make further comment at this time.”
Spanenberg said that the statement did not apply to CCS Human Resources Director Corinne Middleton, who was also placed on paid leave Oct. 10.
“(The board’s) single employee is Dr. Wahl, so we are addressing Dr. Wahl,” Spanenberg said after the meeting, adding that CCS administrators are handling Middleton’s future with the district.
CCS officials have released little information on the leaves since then, although they confirmed the situation does not involve students or criminal activity.
Some have speculated that Wahl and Middleton are involved in a romantic relationship, as both filed for divorce earlier this year. A district spokesperson confirmed in October 2017 that the review includes examining the relationship between the two and that many components are under review.
Spanenberg said she does not know when the review will be complete.
“We would like sooner rather than later, but that’s the extent that we know at this point,” she said.
