Asheville High School’s principal has resigned following a report and investigation into an alleged “sex offense.”

Jesse Dingle – Asheville County Schools

According to a Dec. 14 report by the Asheville Police Dept.,  Dr. Jesse Dingle was involved in the alleged offense on Dec. 13. involving another adult.

The report mentions Christina Hallingse Dingle. The incident did not occur on the school’s campus and no arrest has seemed to have been made.

Had Dingle been arrested and charged, he would have been the 65 such education employee-related arrest tracked by this website in 2019.

The Asheville school district confirmed that prior to resigning, Dr. Dingle has been placed on administrative leave. Dingle’s resignation will be official on Dec. 31.

Dr. Bobbi Short has been named as the interim superintendent. Short addressed families in a letter:

“Good Afternoon, Asheville High Students, Staff & Families. This is Dr. Bobbie Short.

“First, I wanted to inform you that I have received Dr. Jesse Dingle’s resignation as principal of Asheville High School effective December 31, 2019. We appreciate his service to our Cougar students, staff and families and wish Dr. Dingle and his family the best.

“We will soon begin the process of searching for Asheville High School’s next principal. As always, that will be a collaborative effort, and we will keep everyone in the loop as the search advances. Until a new principal is named, Dr. Mark Dickerson will continue to lead as the interim principal of Asheville High School.

“This has been a difficult week for all of us. Please know that I have and continue to appreciate your support for our outstanding faculty, staff and, most of all, Asheville High School students.

“I hope each of you has a restful holiday break.

“Thank you, and have a good evening.”

Asheville police are still investigating and the case will be filed with the District Attorney’s Office for review.

Dingle holds an NC teaching license that does not expire until 2022 in the areas: Physical Education, Mentor, School Administrator: Principal.