Skyview Elementary Principal Still On Paid Leave

The principal of Skyview Elementary School remains on administrative leave with pay.

East Valley School District superintendent Chuck Stocker put Harold Weakland on leave after Christmas vacation, saying initially that the leave would last through January.

School district officials aren’t saying what the next move might be at Skyview. For now, “it’s in limbo,” said Judi Christianson, East Valley spokeswoman.

Stocker has interviewed the Skyview teachers and met with Weakland.

Weakland is consulting with an attorney.

“My official comment is ‘no comment,”’ Weakland said.

Officials have made it clear that the problem is not related to issues of sexual misconduct.

In cases involving sexual misconduct or gross negligence, the district could move quickly to terminate the individual, said Daryl Isotalo, assistant superintendent. If cause were found to remove an administrator for less severe problems, the district would be apt to transfer the administrator or reassign that person to teaching. Otherwise, the district could easily end up in an unwanted court battle, Isotalo said.

Under state law, the individual involved in such a transfer receives the same pay for one year.

At Skyview, third-grade teacher Bill Ettinger has assumed the role of principal designee.

Morale among teachers has been uneven, one teacher said.

“It varies from day to day. It’s up and down,” said Pat Orebaugh. Education at the school continues as usual, she said. “Each child is being taught by capable teachers.”

Weakland, 54, taught in East Valley schools for 17 years before becoming an administrator 11 years ago. He came to Skyview six years ago.

, DataTimes