Site last updated: Wednesday, July 22, 2026

Log In

Reset Password
Butler County's great daily newspaper

Principal on leave amid sex scandal

PLUM — A suburban Pittsburgh principal has been placed on paid administrative leave as district officials plan to investigate how he handled reports of inappropriate sexual relationships between teachers and students.

District officials say Plum High School principal Ryan Kociela was placed on leave Saturday following a Thursday grand jury report that found the district had systematically failed to protect its students.

Kociela’s attorney, Steve Townsend, had no comment.

Two male teachers have been sentenced to prison for sexual relationships with female students.

A former substitute math teacher and baseball coach awaits a trial on student-sex charges. A suspended teacher is also charged with intimidating one of the accusers by pointing her out in class. They’ve denied any wrongdoing.

Officials say the board will investigate all employees in the report.

More in Pennsylvania News

Subscribe to our Daily Newsletter

* indicates required
TODAY'S PHOTOS