Wallingford principal resigns over alleged 'inappropriate action'

The principal of Wallingford Elementary School in Delaware County has resigned from his position following an alleged "inappropriate action on his part that in no way endangered or involved children," the school district superintendent wrote to parents on Tuesday.

Wallingford-Swarthmore School District Superintendent Lisa A. Palmer said that Joshua Peterkin's resignation was effective immediately and that Joseph Buecheler, vice principal at Strath Haven Middle School, would assume the position of acting principal on Wednesday at the elementary school, which is located in Nether Providence Township.

Palmer did not elaborate on Peterkin's alleged inappropriate action. "Our school district respects the privacy of personnel, while upholding high standards for employee behavior," she wrote.

A man who answered the phone at Peterkin's Springfield home said Peterkin was unavailable to comment.

The search for a new principal would begin shortly, Palmer said.

"Certainly, this news is unsettling, but we are fully committed to ensuring a very smooth transition to a new principal and a great rest of the school year for the students," Palmer said.