Embattled Woodland Middle School Principal Cari Thomson began a leave of absence Wednesday.
Parents and teachers confirmed that Superintendent Michael Green informed the middle school staff of Thomson’s leave and her temporary replacement by Assistant Superintendent Asha Riley, who also serves as director of learning and principal of Yale Elementary and Lewis River Academy in Woodland.
Green would not disclose whether Thomson was on paid or unpaid leave, instead issuing this statement to The Daily News:
“Out of respect for the dignity and privacy of all of our employees, it is our practice to not discuss details of absences, leaves, discipline, investigations, etc. I am able to say she (Thomson) is currently not at the school, and we expect that she may be away for a period of a few weeks.”
A spate of allegations of misconduct have been brought against Thomson following the Dec. 17 firings of two middle school teachers. The teachers claim they were fired in retribution for complaining to the administration about Thomson’s lack of leadership and breaches of professional conduct.
