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The dean of students at East Hill Christian School, Steve Thomas, has been cleared of any wrongdoing after an investigation found no indications of impropriety by Thomas during his tenure in the multiple roles of dean of students, athletic director and guidance counselor at the Pensacola religious school.
According to an email issued by the school Thursday, Mr. Thomas and the school cooperated fully in the investigation and are pleased that it has come to a conclusion.
The investigation was conducted by the Florida Department of Children and Families. Pensacola Police Department spokesman Mike Wood confirmed to the News Journal that police never were asked to open an investigation by DCF, meaning the case never rose to the level of criminal wrongdoing.
In the press release, the school said that Thomas has been known to be an affectionate person. Mr. Thomas has acknowledged that he is an affectionate person, and he is known to readily hug others, both as a member of our staff and in his personal life, the release said.
The school did not immediately return requests for comment on Thursday evening.
East Hill Christian School said that nothing is more important to us than the well-being of children entrusted to our care. While these allegations are still under review and have not been substantiated, the actions that gave rise to them are of deep concern to all of us whose priority is the welfare of our 400-plus students, the press release said. Such behavior is not appropriate and cannot be tolerated in an academic setting. After school administrators interviewed these students, the Board of Directors determined that the school should place Mr. Thomas on leave and will take all appropriate measures upon conclusion of