MOORESVILLE – Keith Gentle has returned to Lake Norman High School as principal.

Iredell-Statesville Schools reassigned Gentle to succeed Todd Griffin, following an investigation into accusations that Griffin embezzled $50 from the athletic booster club.

The Iredell County Sheriff’s Office dropped its criminal investigation after the group declined to press charges. Griffin has been reassigned as assistant principal at Statesville High.

Superintendent Brady Johnson thanked Lake Norman High families for their patience and understanding in a Nov. 9 letter.

“Moving forward, we want to ensure that we continue the rich tradition of excellence our parents and community members have come to expect at Lake Norman High School,” Johnson wrote.

Gentle has more than 25 years of experience in public education. He worked five years as teacher and instructional facilitator/assistant principal at Lake Norman prior to serving as principal at Monticello School in Statesville. He has served as principal of the Collaborative College for Technology & Leadership in Troutman since 2011.

Penny Hedrick will serve as principal of CCTL until a successor is hired. That could occur within 30 days, officials said.

Hedrick, a retired administrator with 30 years of experience, worked as Lake Norman’s principal when the school opened in 2002. She also served as principal of North Iredell High in Olin.