Great Valley principal resigns, faces drug charges
He admits stealing Rx drugs from school nurse, will seek treatment
EAST WHITELAND >> Great Valley High School Principal Michael Flick resigned Tuesday after he admitted to reportedly stealing prescription drugs from the school nurse’s office.
Flick, 44, of Pottstown, is charged with theft and multiple counts of possession of a controlled substance, according to his online criminal report.
School officials discovered some of the prescription medications were missing from the school nurse’s office last week, according to an email sent home to parents from the Great Valley School District. They reported the missing drugs to East Whiteland Township police and the Chester County District Attorney’s Office. An investigation began and Flick is cooperating with law enforcement authorities.
Flick had been principal of the school in East Whiteland Township since 2012. Great Valley School District officials said Flick has “acknowledged his involvement” in the missing medication and is seeking treatment. As principal, Flick earned an annual salary of $148,575.
Great Valley Superintendent Regina Speaker Palubinsky sent an email message to district families Tuesday afternoon.
“This news comes as a tremendous shock to our school community, and there are many details that we are not able to share,” Palubinsky said in the message “However, together, we will work through this difficult time. Mr. Flick’s intent was not to harm students, and he has asked that we share with you his apology and deep regrets.
The superintendent’s email also included a message for district families from Flick, which was part of the resignation letter he submitted to the school board:
“I deeply regret any pain I may have caused, and I apologize to anyone who feels I have let them down. It is with a very sad heart that I am resigning as principal, as I seek treatment and rehabilitation and the opportunity to focus on my health and family. I encourage anyone dealing with these issues to reach out for help. May our students view my experience as a reminder that seeking professional help is always the right decision.”
It is believed Flick has been struggling with issues involving prescription drugs since being seriously injured in a car accident several years ago.
District officials said Assistant Principal Heidi Capetola will fill the principal’s role.
The email from the school district also acknowledges that substance abuse is an epidemic in the country and they will meet with the staff to ensure they are aware of the support services available.
A telephone number for Flick was not available. His attorney, Albert P. Massey, of Malvern, was not immediately available on Wednesday morning for comment.
Flick was by arraigned by Judge John R. Bailey on Tuesday and later posted bail. His preliminary hearing is set for Nov. 30 in front of Magisterial District Judge Analisa Sondergaard.