Austintown Middle School principal placed on leave

Staff report

AUSTINTOWN

Austintown Middle School Principal James Penk has been placed on administrative leave while the district conducts an investigation.

Austintown schools Superintendent Vince Colaluca confirmed that Penk was placed on leave effective March 16.

Colaluca said the district is investigating “inappropriate behavior” and decided to place Penk on leave until the investigation is complete. At that time, the school district will make a decision about how to move forward.

The superintendent emphasized that the investigation does not involve students or students’ welfare.

Penk has been with the district for several years, starting as social studies teacher. He was promoted to assistant principal of Austintown Middle School in 2009. He has served as the school’s principal since 2013.

His wife, Colleen Murphy-Penk, was director of transportation for Austintown schools before she left to take the same role with Youngstown City School District last fall.