BREAKING: Ashe Resigns From Norristown School Board Post, Denies Wrongdoing

By Linda Stein, Delaware Valley Journal

October 26, 2021

Just days after a Delaware Valley Journal report on his social media messages that were sent to a 17-year-old girl, Norristown Area School Board President Shae Ashe has resigned.

The news came in a statement from his attorneys as the 30-year old Ashe, who was a no-show at Monday night’s school board meeting, remains out of public view.

“Mr. Ashe takes the concerns of his constituents very seriously. He denies any wrongdoing and points out that all allegations have been rumors, and nothing more,” the statement reads. “He is ready to co-operate in any investigation. He encourages the public to allow a proper investigation so everyone who wants to be heard has their opportunity. Only then can we fairly form opinions.

“To assist in this process, and to ensure the Norristown Area School Board continues without unnecessary distraction, effective immediately, Mr. Ashe resigns as president and member of the school board. He thanks all his supporters and looks forward to serving again in the future.”

Ashe, who is married and a father, declined repeated requests for comment about the screen captures obtained by DVJournal showing his inappropriate comments to a female student who was 17 at the time. “If only you were 18,” read one message, while others repeatedly urged her to meet with him.

“U wanna chill and do something?” was a common refrain from Ashe.

Angry parents showed up at Monday night’s school board meeting demanding Ashe be removed from office.

“You can take a stance for these kids,” said parent Anna DeSanto. “That’s what we put you here for. The people in this room, your constituents, put you here to do a job for our children.”

Rudolph Clarke, the district solicitor, told parents the board could not take action against an elected official.

“This board does not have that authority,” Clarke said.

That issue was resolved by Ashe’s resignation.

After the DVJournal story hit, state Sen. Amanda Cappelletti suspended Ashe from his position as director of constituent services. He formerly held the same position for Rep. Madeleine Dean (D-Montgomery).

Developing…

The Delaware Valley Journal provides unbiased, local reporting for the Philadelphia suburbs of Bucks, Chester, Delaware and Montgomery Counties. For more stories from the Delaware Valley Journal, visit DelawareValleyJournal.com