Assistant Principal Vic Grider was placed on administrative leave, Superintendent Josh Ingle said in the Nov. 9 letter. The district did not provide further details about the reason for Grider's leave but said it is cooperating fully with law enforcement.

Assistant Principal Chastity Steadman will oversee daily operations at the high school for the time being, with additional support from district-level staff, Ingle said.

The move follows the arrest of Principal Joseph “Brent” Cooper, who was charged with two counts of improper sexual contact by an employee, agent or foster parent. According to the Dade County Sheriff's Office, the investigation began after the school's resource officer received information about possible misconduct.

Cooper was placed on administrative leave on Oct. 29 pending further information, Ingle said in a letter at that time. The school's two assistant principals were overseeing daily operations then.

The investigation remains active. Authorities ask anyone with information to contact the Dade County Sheriff's Office at 706-657-3233. Those who believe they may have been a victim or have additional information can also contact the Criminal Investigations Division at tips@dadesheriff.com.

The Dade County School District has not said whether Grider's leave is related to Cooper's arrest, but the timing suggests the investigation is widening. The district said it will continue working closely with law enforcement.

Dade County High School is located in Trenton, in northwest Georgia near the Tennessee border. The school serves students in grades 9-12.