Two Salisbury High administrators have been placed on suspension, according to an e-mailed press release from Rowan-Salisbury Schools.

Received Friday afternoon, the release stated that Assistant Principal Dr. Michelle Taylor was suspended without pay on Feb. 16 and 17. Salisbury High School Principal Luke Brown was suspended with pay on Feb. 24, 25 and 26.

According to sources, the suspensions are connected to a student disciplinary issue.

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Taylor’s suspension came less than a week after a bench clearing-confrontation occurred at game between the Salisbury and North Rowan men’s basketball teams. Both teams were suspended from state playoffs by the North Carolina High School Athletic Association. The board attempted to appeal the suspension, but was denied by the full association board. On Monday the board voted to have its lawyer seek arbitration for the teams, which was denied Tuesday. Brown’s suspension began the next day.

Brown was hired in December 2013, and began his role as Principal on Jan. 21 2014. Brown took over the position after the previous principal Dr. Avis Williams resigned in Sept. 2013.

Rowan-Salisbury Board of Education Chairman Josh Wagner said that if the suspensions were discussed by the board, it would have occurred during closed session and he was unable to comment on the issue. As far he Wagner is aware, the suspensions did not extend past the dates provided by the school system.

“That’s all that I know about it,” he said.

“Personnel matters are covered under State Personnel Laws and are confidential,” School Public Information Officer Rita Foil said in the e-mailed release.