Ernie Jackson suspended from latest principal post

SUNBURY, Pa — Ernie Jackson, the former middle school principal of Chester Academy, was suspended from his job as principal of Shikellamy High School in Sunbury, Pa.

The Daily Item of Sunbury reported on Monday that Shikellamy's superintendent of schools, Pat Kelley, suspended Jackson, but it is not yet know why. The paper describes Kelley and Jackson as having a "long-standing friendship."

Jackson is expected to get a hearing on Friday. Meanwhile, the school has been advertising for an interim principal.

In September 2013, The Daily Item reported that Kelley came under fire for hiring Jackson without first clearing it with the school board, which had been considering other candidates, including two former Shikellamy administrators favored by some in the community. In paper often describes Jackson as "popular."

Jackson's time at Chester Academy was tumultuous and divided the school. Many parents and faculty supported him as a passionate educator unafraid to cut through red tape for the benefit of students. Others saw that behavior as undisciplined and problematic.

The parents of four Chester students brought lawsuits against Jackson and the school. One, from 2011, accused Jackson of trespassing in their sons' bedroom on a school day when they were out sick. Another suit, from 2009, accused him of illegally strip-searching their children for contraband. Chester officials suspended Jackson for about six weeks after the alleged trespassing incident.

The police in Sunbury were reported by The Daily Item to be angry at the school after Jackson on Oct. 31 disarmed a student without informing the police. He also authorized the installation of a donated carpet without going through the proper channels, the paper reports.

A comment posted under a Daily Item article echoed sentiments often expressed on The Chronicle's site when Jackson was in Chester: "Mr. Jackson was trying to save people. What is wrong with that picture? ...Violence is escalating in this district, and someone finally takes a stand only to be disciplined. What a crock of crap. I am thankful that Mr. Jackson protected our children. I will stand behind him, as every parent should."

Jackson left Chester in 2011, after four years at the school, when the school district eliminated the middle school principal's position in response to deep cuts in state aid. Jackson then became principal at a Catholic school in Sussex County, N.J. He started his new job in Sunbury in September 2013.

For more information visit The Daily Item at dailyitem.com.