Hank Smith, South Olive school principal, returns to school after being 'temporarily reassigned'

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South Olive Principal Hank Smith returns to his job Thursday morning, after spending Wednesday on 'temporary reassignment.'
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Posted: 12/06/2012

By: Katie Johnson

WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. -- South Olive Principal Hank Smith returns to his job Thursday morning, after spending Wednesday on "temporary reassignment."

Smith is involved in an ongoing personnel investigation being conducted by the Palm Beach County School Board.

The news comes after Smith accused a school board member of bullying him. Smith wouldn't identify that school board member, but parents at South Olive said the person Smith is referring to is Jennifer Brown. Brown has two children who attend the elementary school.

Smith said that the school board member was "overstepping their boundaries" and "threatening teachers."

Smith is one of the top rated principals in Palm Beach County. He said if the alleged bullying isn't addressed, then he will retire.

Jennifer Brown would not speak about the allegations, and said she was directed by the human resources chief and superintendent not to make any comments on the matter.

Superintendent Wayne Gent said the school district is trying to resolve the issue.

"From time to time, well-meaning professionals can and do disagree about some things," he said.

There is no word yet what the disagreement is about.