San Diego

Citing “low morale” and “arbitrary decision-making,” a group of parents in Tierrasanta is calling for the removal of Marie Thornton as principal of Serra High School.

The group, which has collected 119 signatures on a petition calling for Thornton’s ouster, plans to bring its case to a public session of the Board of Education on Tuesday, said Carolyn Sutton, one of the organizers of the petition drive.

The petition states that Thornton “lacks the ability and skill to properly administer the school, in that she does not consult with the community, nor does she consider the needs of and goals of the parents, students or teachers in her decision-making process.”

Thornton, who took over as principal in September, 1984, denied the charges. “I think I do follow the district’s procedures and I work very closely with my administrative staff in my decision-making process,” she said. She added that she consults parents and teachers about changes in school programs.

Two weeks ago, school officials assigned an outside consultant to discuss concerns with staff and parents, Thornton said.