23-05-2025
Columbus principal's confrontation with officer did not violate policy, district says
COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) — Columbus City Schools completed its investigation into a confrontation between administrators at Ridgeview Middle School and a Columbus police officer, with a recommendation of no further administrative action.
In a letter to families, Chief Transformation and Leadership Officer Dr. Corey D. Grubbs said the March 17 incident was reviewed by the Columbus City Schools Labor Management and Employee Relations team, which determined that no district policy was violated.
'The review determined that the actions of Principal Natalie James, Secretary Jackie Nash, and Safety and Security Specialist Larry Howell during the interaction with the Columbus Division of Police did not violate District policy and expectations, and no further administration action was recommended,' Grubbs wrote.
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Grubbs said the video circulating on social media of the interaction does not capture the full context of the interaction.
'It is important to emphasize that Columbus City Schools and the Columbus Division of Police are committed to respectful, safe, and professional interactions at all times,' Grubbs wrote. 'Our school staff and CPD officers receive training in de-escalation and are expected to treat all individuals with dignity and fairness.'
The officer involved in the interaction, Keith Conner, confronted the school board at Tuesday's meeting, indicating that this was not the first time officers have had issues at the school.
'In that video, you may see my frustration,' Conner said during public comment period of a Columbus City School Board meeting Tuesday, adding that it's been a culmination of years dealing with the school. 'My frustration still continues to this day.'
Police officers were called to Ridgeview Middle School to investigate a threat, which was deemed not credible by school officials. Columbus police body camera video shows the officers, once inside the school, being told they can't go any further, sparking a disagreement between the principal and a police officer.
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In the video, the school's secretary can be heard saying, 'Those guests you are expecting have arrived,' into a radio.
'You have to wait until they come to get you, sir,' the receptionist said.
'I'm here on official police business,' the officer said.
'I get that, but I just radioed for security, and you have to wait until they come to get you, OK? I'm just saying those are the rules I've been instructed,' she said.
She tells officers they need to wait for the school security team.
'Okay, we have authority over safety and security, do you understand that?' Connor said. 'Columbus police have authority over…'
'You do not have authority over my principal,' the secretary said. 'So she tells me that for you guys to wait, you're not the first one to go through this. And I'm not trying to be combative, but he told me to let you know, let him know when you got here. He's coming to get you.'
The woman and police continue to talk back and forth for about four minutes. Then James enters.
'If we have an emergency at the school, I should not have, I should not have to explain to this woman why I'm here,' Connor said. 'I don't come here for my, for party time. I come here on official police business. This is a game we've been playing for years. This is a game we no longer want to play with you. You should be welcoming us. You called us. But if you don't want me here, and if you want me to beg you, get through that door. Don't call me now.'
The City of Columbus Department of the Inspector General is separately reviewing the officer's actions. That review had not been completed as of Wednesday.
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