When questioned, the Mapleton school board provided a statement about its decision to hire Baxendale:
"On May 17, 2021, the Mapleton Local School District Board of Education took action to employ Nathan Baxendale as Mapleton Elementary School principal. On June 4, 2021, the Board was first aware that Mr. Baxendale's current employer is conducting an investigation into allegations of misconduct. The Board is committed to serving the best interests of the District's students, and will take into consideration the conclusions reached from such investigation when it's complete."
However, Baxendale said his history with Wellington "was disclosed to the Mapleton community during the hiring process ... . The true context of the incidents were clarified."