Drakeford had been placed on paid administrative leave while the district investigated. Officials declined to disclose the findings of that investigation, citing personnel confidentiality, but announced last week that Drakeford would be terminated pending board approval. The board's vote on the evening of Nov. 10 finalized that decision.

The episode has stirred unease in the York community, where parents and residents said they expect schools to be places where students are safe and where concerns about staff conduct are taken seriously.

"It's crazy ... Kids, they're our future. We need to do a little better," said community member Amy Allen.

Boyd England, another resident, called the situation "unnerving ... because we shouldn't have any kind of inappropriate actions going on from people that deal with children."

Superintendent Dr. Heath Branham issued a statement earlier Tuesday emphasizing the district's obligation to protect the trust families place in its schools.

"The trust families place in its schools comes with an obligation that it will not compromise," Branham said. "Every employee is expected to uphold the professional and ethical standards established by our Board, and those entrusted with leadership have a particular responsibility to model those standards. When those expectations are not met, we will act decisively and in accordance with Board policy. The safety, well-being, and best interests of our students come first."

The district has not said what steps it is taking beyond the termination to address community concerns, and questions remain about how the video came to be recorded and circulated. The case has drawn attention to how school systems handle allegations of misconduct by administrators and how quickly they communicate with families.

Drakeford's termination is effective pending the board's formal action, which was completed Tuesday. The district has not released further details about the investigation or any additional personnel measures.