Former Anglo-Chinese School (Independent) principal Dr Ong Teck Chin has been found to have behaved inappropriately towards a male teacher
Wednesday, November 24, 2010
Former Anglo-Chinese School (Independent) principal Dr Ong Teck Chin has been found to have behaved inappropriately towards a male teacher, an investigation panel at the school revealed.
In a statement released on Monday, the ACS board of governors and ACS (I) board of management said Dr Ong “has conducted himself in an inappropriate manner and his conduct has fallen short of the standards expected of a principal”.
While it did not elaborate on the inappropriate behaviour, the two-paragraph statement said, “Dr Ong deeply regrets his actions and has apologised”, reported The Straits Times (ST).
Dr Ong’s behaviour first came to light last month, when the male teacher, Mark Richie Tan, made a complaint to the school’s board.
Dr Ong, 61, resigned around the same time, citing health problems. His last day will be next Tuesday, ahead of his intended six months notice, after a mutual agreement with the school.
The yet-to-be appointed principal will step in from January.
Last September, Mr Tan was promoted after a new position, director in principal’s office, was created for him.
Mr Tan said Dr Ong had behaved inappropriately when the two were sharing a hotel room during an overseas trip to recruit foreign students. The pair used to travel frequently on such trips.
The biology teacher claimed to have requested to return to teaching repeatedly but was turned down.
He later resigned and lodged a complaint with the board of governors. He has since retracted his resignation and is now back teaching at ACS (I).
The findings received mixed responses.
Parent Daniel Ong, 52, told ST he still believes in Dr Ong: “I have no qualms, no doubts about him at all.”
But another parent, who declined to be named, said she was “glad the board has come out with its findings and is not trying to shield Dr Ong”.
“How could such behaviour have gone on for so long and no one complained? I hope the board will select the next principal carefully,” she urged. Thank you for the incredible, amazing response to Yahoo!’s Fit-To-Post blog so far. We continue to welcome your views and comments but please don’t abuse this opportunity. Be nice. Be courteous. Be sensible. Respect the feelings of others and refrain from using any kind of offensive language. And in the spirit of great conversations, please don’t stray from the topic at hand