CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (AP) -- There have been further repercussions from reported chaperone drinking on a senior trip by Signal Mountain students.

According to the Chattanooga Times Free Press, the Hamilton County Schools suspended Signal Mountain High School Principal Tom McCullough. The unpaid suspension on Friday came two days after McCullough publicly announced his retirement on June 30.

School Superintendent Rick Smith stated in a letter to McCullough that he improperly handled the issue.

The State Board of Education this month flagged the licenses of five school staffers after Hamilton County Schools suspended them for five days. The staff members were accused of consuming alcohol on the trip to the Bahamas, but not in the company of students.

McCullough didn't respond directly to his suspension, but acknowledged the superintendent had authority to suspend him.