By Alabama Public Radio
Gordo AL – Gordo police chief Todd Hall says more than 15 female students have accused Gordo Elementary principal Barry Smitherman of inappropriate touching and inappropriate conversations. Hall says some of the allegations are related to incidents that may have occurred during a recent field trip. No charges have been filed, but authorities have searched Smitherman's school office and interviewed school employees. A public report on the matter will be delivered at Monday's school board meeting. Smitherman has been the school's principal for more than 30 years.