‘Sexy and 17’ Queensland principal allowed to return to work

A Queensland principal who allegedly sent a “Sexy and 17” video featuring stills of a topless young woman and other “explicit” clips over staff emails has been allowed to return to work following a suspension. Here’s what he said to parents.

James Nash State High School principal Jackson Dodd.

A Queensland principal who allegedly sent a “Sexy and 17” video featuring stills of a topless young woman and other “explicit” clips over staff emails has been allowed to return to work following a suspension.

James Nash State High School principal Jackson Dodd returned to the Gympie school on Friday following an investigation after the staff memos were exposed by The Courier-Mail.

One of the memos, sent from Mr Dodd’s account in February last year, contained a link to a YouTube video of the song (She’s) Sexy and 17 which has a film chip showing a topless woman in underwear.

Another of the emails attached a music video of the song Centrefold by The J.Geils Band featuring women dancing in racy outfits while holding school books.

Stills from YouTube clips sent by a Queensland state high school principal to staff members in weekly memos.

A department of education spokesman confirmed the investigation into Mr Dodd had been completed and that action had been taken “in line with departmental processes”.

“The individual in question was suspended while a thorough investigation was conducted,” the spokesman said.

“The matter is now concluded and action has been taken in line with departmental processes.

“The department is unable to detail specific actions taken in relation to this matter.”

James Nash State High School principal Jackson Dodd has returned to his role.

Mr Dodd wrote to parents and the school community to confirm he had returned to his role.

“I would like to extend my sincere thanks to the staff and especially the school’s leadership team and the acting principal, in ensuring the continuity of learning and good order and management of the school during my absence,“ Mr Dodd wrote in an email obtained by The Courier-Mail.

“I would like to take this opportunity to reiterate my commitment to the vision and values of James Nash and ensuring the best possible outcomes for the students of the Gympie community.”

Stills from YouTube clips sent by a Queensland state high school principal to staff members.

Education Minister Grace Grace, who previously labelled the emails as “completely unacceptable”, confirmed formal action had been taken.

“I raised the matter with my director general at the time and supported the decision to suspend the principal while a thorough investigation was carried out,“ Ms Grace said.

“This is an operational matter and the full investigation has now concluded, and formal action has been taken in line with the department’s processes.”

A James Nash staff member said the video links were generally themed around school environments and described the content as “absolute trash”.

The memos triggered a series of complaints from the Teachers Professional Association of Queensland on behalf of its members.

TPAQ state secretary Tracy Tully said Mr Dodd had shown a “total disregard” of the impact the “salacious and sexually explicit” emails had on staff, students and the school community.

She said Mr Dodd’s reappointment had left staff and community members with unanswered questions.