Controversial St. Louis Park Principal Placed On Leave
ST. LOUIS PARK (WCCO) -- A St. Louis Park elementary school principal has been placed on leave two weeks after complaints that she wasn't keeping students safe from bullying.
The school district announced Monday that Aquila Elementary School principal Freida Bailey will be succeeded by Clarence Pollack, who had been the assistant principal for St. Louis Park Senior High.
While the district did not say if the move was connected to the complaints, the district did say that its "highest priority is student safety and achievement, while ensuring a comfortable and supportive educational environment."
On the evening of March 21, more than 60 parents showed up at a St. Louis Park school board meeting to ask that the Bailey be removed as principal.
The parents argued that Bailey and others were not keeping students safe when it comes to bullying. Other parents said Bailey was showing a lack of leadership and judgment.
One person in attendance said that 16 teachers were so upset they requested transfers from the school, adding there are only 19 classroom teachers at Aquila.
Parents said changing administration would be better for both students and teachers.
A supporter of Bailey said the accusations are not fair, and that only six teachers have asked to transfer.
