Mesa principal and athletic director face charges for failing to report an assault involving a gun on school grounds after a soccer game
Two Mesa High School Administrators Placed on Leave
MESA, Ariz. – Two administrators from Mesa High School have been placed on administrative leave due to an incident that occurred nearly one year ago.
On Feb. 13, 2025, Mesa Police began investigating an aggravated assault report from the previous evening at the school. Three unidentified men allegedly assaulted a boy on campus after an after-hours soccer game, with one man reportedly displaying a gun.
Officers spoke with two witnesses. They attempted to contact the alleged victim over several days but were unsuccessful.
Mesa Police later investigated the delay in reporting the incident and subsequently filed charges against Principal Kirk Thomas and Athletic Director David Klecka for failing to report the incident.
On Jan. 5, 2025, Mesa Public Schools announced that both administrators were placed on paid administrative leave after police submitted charges during winter break.
An internal investigation by district-level staff found that the administrators did not follow proper protocols for reporting suspected crimes.
“Mesa Public Schools continues to cooperate fully with law enforcement and the State Board and remains committed to following the law, enforcing district policies, and ensuring student safety and accountability,” the district stated in a press release on Monday.
MPS is still cooperating with local law enforcement and the Arizona State Board of Education/Investigative Unit regarding any alleged unlawful activity on its campuses.
| Date | Event | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Feb. 13, 2025 | Investigation Begins | Mesa Police start investigating an aggravated assault report. |
| Jan. 5, 2025 | Administrators Placed on Leave | Kirk Thomas and David Klecka placed on paid administrative leave. |
| Winter Break 2025 | Charges Submitted | Police submit charges against the administrators. |
