Ohio School Principal Resigns After Administrators Posed for Photo with Live Horse in Cafeteria
COLUMBUS, Ohio — A local elementary school principal has resigned following an administrative decision to bring a live horse into the school cafeteria for a staff photo, officials confirmed Tuesday.
The incident occurred on Monday morning at Maple Grove Elementary School in Columbus. According to a statement from the Franklin County School District, Principal Diane Hartwell authorized the presence of the animal during a staff appreciation event. The horse, a registered quarter horse named "Star," was led into the cafeteria at approximately 8:30 a.m. by a staff member who owns the animal.
Security footage reviewed by district administrators shows the horse walking near food service areas and through a hallway before being photographed with at least 12 staff members. Witnesses reported the horse appeared calm but defecated on the cafeteria floor, creating a cleanup hazard. No students were present in the cafeteria at the time.
The district received multiple complaints from parents concerned about sanitation, student safety, and potential violations of health codes. The Ohio Department of Health is now reviewing whether local food safety regulations were breached. An investigation by the district's human resources department concluded that Hartwell violated district policy regarding animal access to school facilities.
"How did a horse get into the building without any prior review?" questioned parent Lisa Tran, whose child attends the school. "This is a breach of safety protocols meant to protect students."
Principal Hartwell, who served in the role for six years, submitted her resignation effective immediately. In a brief letter to the school board, she stated her actions were "intended to boost staff morale" but recognized she "failed to follow proper protocols." An interim principal has been appointed.
The district announced mandatory training for all administrative staff on facility access policies. The horse has been returned to its owner and was examined by a veterinarian, who found no signs of distress. No citations have been issued at this time.