Skyline High School Principal Albert Sye returned to his job on March 2 after an unpaid 10-day suspension while the district conducted an investigation of alleged misconduct.

"I have been accused of discrimination in the workplace, general and sexual harassment, as well as inappropriate use of a school credit card," Sye told The Oracle, Skyline's newspaper.

According to Sye, the investigation was conducted by High School Network Executive Officer Wendy Gudalewicz.

According to The Oakland Tribune, the school board has decided not to rehire Sye based on the accusations.

"I will fight with all my might to stay here," said Sye.

On Feb. 24, an article was published in the Oakland Tribune revealing to the public a memo Sye wrote to Chief Academic Officer Brad Stam defending himself. The article revealed the nature of the allegations. The Skyline Oracle was allowed the opportunity to read the memo as well.

The memo included all 12 accusations against him followed by explanations for each of them.

Sye wrote it to give his side of the story. In it he claims his "basic human rights have been violated in this investigation" due to the fact that he was not given a chance to defend himself.

The allegations range from demeaning finger pointing to making female staff members get him lunch and charging $162 on a school credit card.

The identity of the person or persons who made the allegations has not been revealed.

Two women who worked in the administration office, Assistant Principal Lorna Shelton and Kimiko White, an administrative assistant, have left the school in recent months.

The suspension caused much confusion, controversy and a whirlwind of opinions in the Skyline community. However, many members of the school and the community immediately expressed their support for Sye.

"I find the allegations very hard to believe based on my experiences with him," said Assistant Principal Vinnie Blye.

English teacher Tim Jollymore, who has worked closely with Sye as a member of the reconstruction committee and as head of the English department, is a staunch supporter of Sye and feels he has been doing a good job as principal throughout the year, despite the recent allegations. "He’s an administrator who listens to teachers even though he doesn’t always agree with them," said Jollymore. "I think he’s been misinterpreted."

Approximately 30 teachers, students and parents showed up at a March 24 school board meeting to support Sye staying on at Skyline

Sye initially informed the staff that he was taking a break for personal reasons before leaving on Feb. 13. However, upon his return on March 2 he held a staff meeting during which he acknowledged that he had been suspended for 10 days without pay due to an investigation of his conduct at Skyline. He said he could not say much about the details of the accusations.

The first half of the memo contained accusations concerning personal misconduct of the principal, including sexual harassment, sexism and discrimination in the workplace and disrespectful behavior.

The first allegation listed stated that Sye had "exhibited disrespectful behavior to female office 

staff." One example of such behavior was "pointing his finger in a demeaning manner" and repeatedly telling female staff members that he was in charge.

Sye's response was that he was simply asserting the authority necessary to run the school. "I accept that I am in charge and responsible for the overall operation of Skyline High," he wrote. "When staff members get into matters that are not related to their job, I do remind them of what their job is."

Sye was accused of asking inappropriate personal questions of staff members such as "Do you have a boyfriend?" and "Who are you taking on your vacation?" Sye said these questions were asked to get to know his staff.

The rest of the allegations listed were what Sye believed to be purely the opinions of a few of his staff members rather than factual evidence and therefore not sufficient grounds for suspension or termination of his job. Sye has stated that the accusations are exaggerated, out of context, and not based on fact.

The memo also addressed the alleged misuse of funds by Sye, including $162 spent from the All Student Body account for a hotel in New Mexico. Sye stated in the memo that he picked the wrong credit card from his wallet. Attached to the memo were bank statements showing he had repaid the $162, plus interest.

Leadership students were unaware there was a study body credit card, but most were forgiving of Sye when they heard of the misuse.

"It was an honest mistake," said John Ma, senior class vice president.

But senior class President Brandon Baranco was skeptical. He has been frustrated with Sye’s response to Leadership’s need for funds.

"Why can’t he help fund social activities if he has this card?" asked Baranco. "If you are a principal, you should know what you are doing, especially with other people’s money."

The principal defended himself in the memo, saying Gudalewicz had told him it was appropriate to spend money on staff expenses, such as flowers for a memorial and doughnuts for staff meetings.

He also expressed frustration in the memo about misuse of funds in the past at Skyline.

"Ms. Wendy Gudalewicz stated that in 2007 she allowed Ms. Heidi Green, the former principal of Skyline High School, to spend over $20,000 of school funds for a staff Christmas party alone," he said. "She indicated that would not be allowed; however, we could purchase items as needed."

When asked about this pricey party, Gudalewicz told The Oracle she knew nothing about it. She also said it was a "personnel matter" and so could not give a statement.

As to what the future holds, the principal said, "Mr. Sye will take care of Mr. Sye, but we need to move forward."