>> Beavercreek principal on leave following race conversation with student
The conversation was about race and culture and Caras used the “N word” while explaining how the word has evolved to take on different connotations over time, according to a social media post Caras’ wife Jayne Sachs made shortly after her husband’s leave was reported.
The meeting agenda said the school board accepted his resignation, effective Dec. 31, and thanked Caras for his "student-centered approach and commitment" to students in Beavercreek.
Caras will use his accrued time from now through Dec. 31 and will not return to work.
The board will make no determination about disciplinary action regarding Caras, the statement said.
The statement said in part that “recent publicity renders further service by George as principal untenable.”
The separation agreement called for the district to pay out unused time off and limited what either side could say about the agreement.
Sachs had said her husband apologized to the student and later called the student’s parents before informing the superintendent of the conversation.
STAY CONNECTED: Greene County News on Facebook
“It was a benign discussion, but the student got offended when George, in his conversation of how the word has changed said the more urban version used today,” Sachs’ comment reads. “It wasn’t to the student, or about the student, or anyone else … it was about the term itself and was said once within the discussion on how the word has changed over time.”
Caras began his education career in 1986 as a high school science teacher in Dayton Public Schools, according to his resumé. The Trotwood resident has worked as a principal at schools in the Dayton area since the early 1990s.
The Dayton Daily News has been contacted by current and former parents, students and colleagues who describe Caras as being friendly and well-liked among students.
Caras was reprimanded at his previous job as principal of Northmont High School for alleged mishandling of personnel and student affairs and for what were considered inappropriate remarks during public speeches.
Caras took a pay cut after leaving the Northmont district for Beavercreek in 2017. He was hired by Beavercreek at an annual salary of $118,402 and he left Northmont earning $132,000 annually, according to the records.
In Beavercreek, Caras previously received a written warning for what was considered inappropriate behavior while he announced a change in a personnel assignment during a staff meeting ahead of the beginning of last school year.
Following is the full text of the resolution approved by the board:
"The board accepts the resignation of George Caras as principal of Beavercreek High School effective at the end of the day on Dec. 31, 2019. The board thanks George for his student centered approach and commitment to improving educational opportunities for the students of Beavercreek High School as principal, and that the board has made no determination, and will not be making any determination as to any discipline regarding George. The board recognizes recent publicity renders further service by George as principal untenable, so George and the board have reached an understanding as to his separation by amicable mutual agreement, which agreement is hereby approved by the board and the president and treasurer are authorized to execute the same on behalf of this board."
About the Author