Questions surround Rowan-Salisbury schools leader's suspension

Channel 9 has uncovered nearly a dozen complaints against the department once overseen by a suspended Rowan-Salisbury school leader.

Since last week, we've been asking school leaders why Crystal Vail, director of the children's department was suspended with pay.  

School leaders have not answered that question.

PAST ARTICLE: Rowan-Salisbury Schools official on paid leave, under investigation

Eyewitness News reporter Tina Terry went to state leaders to find out more about Vail's past.

Vail has been with Salisbury-Rowan schools since 2008, leading the department that helps children with disabilities, but just 10 days ago, leaders suspended her with pay pending results of an internal investigation.  

They also wouldn't say why she was suspended, so we checked with North Carolina's Department of Public Instruction to see if Vail has had any complaints in the past.  

A spokesman sent an email, saying a group of parents "filed a series of complaints last year. They were against the system and not directly against Dr. Vail."

But he said the group had "strong feelings about Dr. Vail."  

Some parents claimed the district failed to meet the unique needs of their children, and in several cases, the state agreed.  

Jimmie Hadden said Vail helped his 8-year-old autistic granddaughter overcome many obstacles.  

"Dr. Vail's the best thing to ever happen to Rowan County," Hadden said.  

He said the complaints have more to do with the district than her leadership.

"The public needs to know what it is they suspended her for," Hadden said.

Last week, district officials said Vail has a clean history with no disciplinary action.

Channel 9 asked Rowan-Salisbury school leaders Friday if parent complaints had anything to do with Vail's suspension. They said, "No comment."

WSOC