The principal of Amador Valley High School in Pleasanton, California — Jonathan M. Fey, age 54 — has resigned after an independent investigation found credible evidence that he used the dating app Grindr to contact both a former and a current student.
Investigation Details
The investigation, conducted by a neutral third‑party and commissioned by the Pleasanton Unified School District, found that messages sent from a Grindr account under the pseudonym “eyes emoji” included sexually suggestive content directed at a former student, and overt advances toward a current student.
In one exchange, the user wrote:
“There’s a part of me that would love a secret school tryst.”
In another screenshot‑based message:
“I really have always liked you… Didn’t you notice last year I would go out of my way to say hi or smile every time I saw you?”
When the student asked if the user was the principal of the school, the account responded, “Why do you think that?” and the student replied, “I just know buddy trust me you are not discreet.”
Resignation & Settlement
Fey had been on administrative leave since 2022. In February 2025 the school district notified him of termination. He initially appealed the decision, but ultimately accepted a $254,000 settlement which includes legal fees and back pay.
Fey denies the allegations, claiming his identity was stolen and that other students at the school had in the past impersonated individuals online.
School District Response
The Pleasanton Unified School District stated that the investigation substantiated the misconduct allegations. They confirmed they will report the findings to the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing, in line with state law which requires mandatory reporting when credentialed educators resign or are suspended for misconduct.
Significance
- The case highlights serious concerns regarding adult‑student boundaries, digital communication platforms, and school‑employed adults’ conduct.
- The use of a gay‑dating app in the context of contacts with students adds additional complexity regarding privacy, identity verification, and safeguards.
- The settlement and resignation may avoid a protracted public hearing, but leave questions about accountability, transparency, and safeguarding in school environments.
- For parents, educators and administrators, the incident serves as a reminder of the evolving risks posed by technology, social media and apps in educational settings.
