Friday, December 07, 2007

Schum resigns Bethlehem Higth

The Bethlehem High School principal who pleaded not guilty in Jefferson District Court to charges of loitering with the intent to prostitute has resigned.

Dr. Paul Schum’s resignation was accepted by the Bethlehem High School Board Thursday.

According to a press release issued by the Board, Schum’s decision to resign was “motivated by his concern for the school and with the best interests of the students, faculty, and staff in mind.”

He also needs time to “address his situation” and be with his family, according to the press release.

Schum, 50, had been Bethlehem’s principal since 2005.

The incident surrounding Schum’s resignation began around 9:20 p.m. Oct. 30, when he was stopped by Louisville Metro Police officers in an alley in the Russell neighborhood in the west end of Louisville. Officers frequently patrol the area because of its reputation for illegal narcotics and prostitution, said Louisville Metro Police Det. Phil Russell.When Schum was pulled over, according to police, he was dressed in an all-black leather outfit and fishnet stockings. He was wearing fake breasts and a blond wig.
...Schum was represented in Jefferson District Court Nov. 27 by his attorney David Lambertus who entered a not guilty plea for Schum to the citation. The citation is a violation only on the first offense and becomes a Class B misdemeanor for subsequent offenses. Another court hearing is scheduled for Dec. 20. Schum has proclaimed his innocence since the beginning, issuing a statement through the Archdiocese of Louisville, which oversees Bethlehem. He has the option of fighting the citation in court and going to trial.

In the press release concerning Schum’s resignation, the Bethlehem Board asked for prayer for him, his family and “the entire Bethlehem community.” “Dr. Schum’s hard work and commitment to Bethlehem High School are appreciated,” the Board wrote.
This from the Kentucky Standard.

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