The principal of East Paulding Middle School resigned Tuesday, one day after his wife made headlines for allegedly stealing $25,000 from the county school system while working as an accountant.
Parents were notified of Brett Taylor’s resignation in a 5 p.m. email and automated phone message.
“We know a leadership transition after the start of the school year can be difficult on staff and students,” the email stated. “We would ask for your patience while we look for a replacement, and we will pass along information to you as quickly as we can. We hope to make this transition as smoothly and seamlessly as possible.”
Brett Taylor is not under criminal investigation by the Paulding County Sheriff’s Office. His resignation comes a day after the sheriff’s office said Julie Taylor, 45, was out of jail on $11,200 bond after her arrest on a theft by conversion charge.
Investigators believe Julie Taylor took more than $25,000 intended for New Hope Learning Center and used the money to buy a boat, Cpl. Ashley Henson said. The $25,782.88 check intended for the school was instead paid to a marina, and the misappropriated funds were discovered during an internal audit by school officials, who contacted the sheriff’s office, Henson said.
Julie Taylor surrendered and was arrested Friday.
The boat was impounded when deputies searched the Taylors’ home.
Julie Taylor is no longer employed by the school district, a spokeswoman said Monday.
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