Despite a rally of support,  Dr. Rudy Papenfuhs, the principal at Smithville High School has resigned, effective immediately. The school district released a statement that reiterated a list of about a dozen alleged violations, which officials call “willful and persistent violations of board policy.”  In the statement, officials hoped to put the matter behind them.

“Dr. Papenfuhs, (Superintendent Dr. Todd) Schuetz, and the Board of Education sincerely hope the community will join them in putting this matter to rest and turning attention to helping the school in its effort to meet the needs of the growing community.”

(Click here to read the statement)

The allegations against Dr. Papenfuhs include his using material gifts and privileges bestowed on students as leverage for encouraging certain behavior by the students, including attendance and grades.

He was also accused of including a student on his cell phone plan, giving prescription medication to a student, and giving Royals and Chiefs tickets to students.  He has been on administrative leave since Sept. 9 when the district began investigating the complaints.