Berrien Springs superintendent supports principal charged with drunk driving

BERRIEN SPRINGS, Mich. — The superintendent of Berrien Springs Schools has come to the defense of the high school principal charged in a motorcycle crash.

Berrien Springs High School Principal Ryan Pesce pled guilty to drunk driving and when he crashed his motorcycle in Cass County on May 27. According to arrest documents, his blood alcohol level was twice the legal limit. He was also carrying a gun at the time of the crash. 

A letter was sent to parents in support of the principal by Superintendent David Eichberg. The letter was read at a school board meeting Thursday and moved on from quickly.

In the letter, Eichberg said that the incident has not impacted Principal Pesce’s ability to do his job and that he’s taken corrective steps to ensure this won’t happen again.  

“Dear District Parents/Guardians,

Berrien Springs Public Schools is a premier school district, in large part, because of our exceptional administrators, teachers, and staff members. We pride ourselves on our commitment to our community and the families that we serve.

Recently, there have been several news reports and rumors on social media that have not truthfully reflected the salient facts concerning an off-duty incident that occurred in late May involving Mr. Ryan Pesce, high school principal.

The district has closely monitored this matter and has been careful to assure that it has not impacted Mr. Pesce’s work or his ability to fulfill the duties of his job. Matters detracting from our mission or our service are not tolerated. Fortunately, Mr. Pesce proactively has taken corrective steps to assure that his private matters do not become a future distraction.

If there are questions, please address those to Mr. David Eichberg, Superintendent.

Sincerely,

David Eichberg, Superintendent”

After the letter was read, there was no comment from either school board members or the public on the matter. There was only one audience member in the crowd. 

School board members also voted in closed session concerning a “personnel matter” at Thursday’s school board meeting. Pesce was not mentioned by name on the agenda but ABC57 is working to learn more on what was discussed behind closed doors.