The principal of Rye High School has requested an immediate leave of absence and is no longer working at the school.

Derek Schuelin had already resigned effective at the end of the school year.

In a letter to parents, the district's superintendent said in part, “Dr. Schuelein’s resignation and request for a personal leave of absence are not in any way related to the recent rumors disseminated in the community, which, as stated in an earlier communication this week, are completely false.”

The school superintendent says Schuelein wants to pursue other professional opportunities.

He had been principal since last September.

An interim principal is expected to be named next week.