Suspended Myers Park HS principal to take on different role within CMS

CHARLOTTE — The Myers Park High School principal who was suspended after claims that the school mishandled reports of sexual assault on campus will take on a different role within Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools, district officials confirmed on Wednesday.

Mark Bosco was suspended as the principal of Myers Park High School in August after school officials received public backlash for how they handled claims of sexual assaults on campus.

After a lengthy investigation into the claims, Bosco’s attorney, Sally Higgins, said the district found “no basis to conclude that Mark Bosco mishandled or failed to respond to any allegation of sexual misconduct” and that he “can say that, to his knowledge, any situation at Myers Park involving an accusation or evidence of criminal conduct was immediately reported to the Charlotte Mecklenburg Police, and CMS protocols regarding violations of its Code of Conduct were followed.”

Following the investigation, school officials said Bosco would not return as principal of Myers Park, but instead had accepted a position as a senior administrator in charge of expanded learning and partnerships for the district.

Survivor and former Myers Park student Nikki Wombwell said she’s divided on the changes.

“I had more mixed feelings when I found out that he was still going to be working for CMS and still receiving the same pay,” she said.

The position is newly created in CMS and pays a salary of $149,462, according to the district.

“During his 28-year career as an educator and, particularly as principal at Myers Park, Mark has been deeply invested in responding to the needs of students and supporting them in the challenges they face both in and out of school. Mark’s experience in creating and implementing programs and partnerships to address students’ dynamic needs will be invaluable in his new role with CMS administration,” Higgins said.

According to Higgins, Bosco said he looks forward to “getting back to work with Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools and welcome this new opportunity.”

The shake-up at Myers Park comes as the district launches a Title IX task force to better respond to reports of sexual harassment and assault.

Wombwell said the district’s review of Bosco’s handling of the reported cases is missing a key element.

Channel 9′s Joe Bruno asked Wombwell how many times CMS has reached out to her since she came forward.

“Never,” she responded.

She said CMS has not contacted her parents or the other survivors. She’s calling in the district to launch a third-party investigation, saying it’s impossible for CMS to learn the truth without considering the other side.

“You’re only going to get half the story. It’s not a complete investigation. It’s not a thorough investigation. You can’t possibly hope to hear the full side of what happened and how he handled our cases, if you don’t hear directly from us,” Wombwell said.

The school district did not respond to Bruno’s question about why Wombwell and other sexual assault survivors have not been contacted.

School officials said the district has already begun the process of finding Myers Park’s next principal. As part of the selection process, a principal profile will be created to identify the qualities, characteristics, and skills necessary to be the principal of the school. Families, community members, and school and district staff will be asked for input into the principal profile to identify and appoint the school’s next leader.

Dr. Maureen Furr will remain interim principal at Myers Park High School until the next principal is appointed.

(WATCH: Protest held over claims of unreported sex assaults at Myers Park HS)

Protest held over claims of unreported sex assaults at Myers Park HS

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