Sussex Central Principal fired following months of controversy

SUSSEX CO., Del. – At an executive session Thursday evening, the Indian River School Board voted 7-0 to fire Dr. Bradley Layfield, former principal of Sussex Central High School.

This comes following a lawsuit into a May 2023 incident, during which a student was involved in a physical altercation, leading to her breast being exposed and caught on school surveillance cameras.  The student filed the lawsuit against Layfield and Assistant Principal Matthew Jones in September, alleging that the pair “worked together” to create and circulate an inappropriate meme following the fight.

Layfield’s attorney, Dr. Thomas Neuberger, claims the firing is unfair for several reasons, including the fact that Dr. Layfield could not testify due to the pending police investigation.

A Delaware judge heard arguments contesting the firing last month and made a recommendation to the school board, but ultimately it was the school board with the final say.

The Indian River School District released a statement to 47 ABC Friday morning, saying, “Mr. Layfield and Mr. Jones are no longer IRSD employees, effective March 21, 2024.” The district had no additional comment on the matter.