CHARLOTTE, N.C. – On Wednesday Charlotte-Mecklenburg schools spoke to the media to help clear the air about recent rumors surrounding the investigation and sudden death of Barry Bowe.
Bowe was the interim principal at The Northwest School of the Arts but had come under scrutiny after a dance at the school last December.
At that event were allegations that someone pulled a gun on a student and physically assaulted him. A police report was filed and CMS launched an internal investigation.
On Monday Dr. Bowe, as he was called by his students, was to meet with CMS labor relations and discuss his future.
CMS interim Superintendent Hugh Hattabaugh said that Bowe had been given three options to discuss at that time. He could retire, resign, or he could let the process play out.
"He was not fired," said Dr. Hattabaugh. "He was not suspended... he was on administrative leave to determine what he wanted to do."
Dr. Hattabaugh went on to say that when someone is suspended they are not allowed to contact anyone at work, but he was not under any such guidelines.
"The investigation was not complete," added Dr. Hattabaugh, who went on to say that he does not have the power to fire Bowe.
The Board of Education has the final say in a teacher's status, and there is even another step in the due-process available to teachers.
