World · North America · 3 hrs ago
Santa Barbara principal admits overriding student election for her daughter
Arielle Curry, principal of Washington Elementary School in Santa Barbara, California, admitted that she overrode the results of a sixth-grade student council election.
The runner-up candidates were selected instead of the students who received the most votes, and Curry’s daughter was appointed president.
Curry was placed on administrative leave in late September and returned to work about two weeks later.
The school district said she could continue leading the school and that students, families and staff should receive support.
Curry said she takes responsibility and that affected students and families would receive communication and support.
The decision has caused concern and division in the school community.
The district has not announced further consequences, and Curry is back at work.
Arielle Curry, principal of Washington Elementary School in Santa Barbara, admitted that she overrode a sixth-grade student council election so her daughter became president.
Curry said the runner-up candidates were selected instead of those who received the most votes.
She was placed on administrative leave in late September and returned to work about two weeks later.
The school district said Curry could continue leading the school, while one parent criticized her response and the impact on the school community.
Curry apologized for the disruption and said affected students and families would receive communication and support.
- Who
- Arielle Curry, principal of Washington Elementary School, and her daughter.
- What
- Curry admitted to overriding a sixth-grade election outcome, resulting in her daughter becoming president.
- When
- She was placed on leave in late September and returned about two weeks later.
- Where
- Washington Elementary School in Santa Barbara.
- Why
- Curry said runner-up candidates were selected instead of the candidates who received the most votes; her reason for doing so is not stated.
Curry and the school district
Critical parent
Election and accountability
Curry and the school district
Curry said she wanted to take responsibility and apologized for the disruption. The district said she could continue leading the school.
Critical parent
The parent said Curry did not fully own her choice and called it a very stupid choice.
Impact on the school
Curry and the school district
The district said Curry could provide an exceptional experience for students, families and staff.
Critical parent
The parent said the situation harmed the school’s culture and environment.
the runner-up candidates were selected instead of the candidates who received the most votes. This resulted in my own child being appointed president.
students and families directly affected by the election will receive appropriate communication and support as that work is completed.
She blames this on a flawed process, but she is the flawed process
This is really shitty. In the letter, she doesn't fully own what she did.
Curry was placed on administrative leave after admitting she overrode the election outcome.
Curry returned to work after the school announced her return.
Curry apologized and said affected students and families would receive communication and support.
- Principal
- Arielle Curry
- School
- Washington Elementary School, Santa Barbara
- Election
- Sixth-grade student council president
- Leave
- Nearly two weeks
- Outcome
- Curry’s daughter became president
Sources
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