Investigation clears Akron North High School principal of toxic work culture claims

A months-long investigation into a North High School principal cleared her of any significant wrongdoing after allegations that she created a toxic and retaliatory work environment.

Kathryn Rodocker will return to work Monday, a district spokesperson said, but not to North High. She will be assigned a position in central office, within the Department of Human Capital, through the end of the school year.

Rodocker had been on leave since August pending the outcome of the investigation by INCompliance Consulting, a third-party firm.

The investigation stated the evidence did not support findings for the allegations that Rodocker had "created a toxic culture consisting of retaliation, revenge, and retribution at North High School" or committed professional misconduct.

The investigators recommended Rodocker be returned to her position or a comparable one in the district, but that she also undergo professional development in "the areas of timely and effective communication strategies and time management."

When reached for comment Tuesday, Rodocker said her lawyer would be issuing a statement.

This was the second time Rodocker was placed on leave in two years. The first time, she was principal of Kenmore-Garfield High School in 2022 when she was investigated internally for an administrative issue involving adding classes to a student's schedule mid-semester and then dropping them. That leave lasted 72 days.

Rodocker received a human resources reprimand and was ordered to go through training. The district then transferred her to North, as North's previous principal had been moved to Ellet Community Learning Center.

The most recent investigation into Rodocker paints a picture of a school building divided, with some staff adamant that Rodocker was a problematic leader, and others defending her fiercely and accusing those against Rodocker of their own bad behavior.

"In light of the consistent reports regarding the divisive culture at North — both between Administration and staff, as well as within the staff — the Investigator recommends building-wide professional development on team building strategies for administrators and staff," the investigators wrote.

This story will be updated.

Contact education reporter Jennifer Pignolet at jpignolet@thebeaconjournal.com, at 330-996-3216 or on Twitter @JenPignolet.

This article originally appeared on Akron Beacon Journal: Investigation clears North High principal of toxic work culture claims