South Pasadena : Principals Get Support

Parents, angered at the South Pasadena Unified School District’s decision not keep two veteran elementary school principals in their positions next fall, are organizing a petition drive to persuade district officials to change their minds.

Last month, under pressure from Supt. Warren Newman, Betty Cowan of Arroyo Vista asked for reassignment to a teaching position next fall and James L. Greulich of Monterey Hills elementary schools resigned. No specific reasons were given for the shake-up, but school board President Yvonne Pine said that a difference in philosophy between the principals and Newman played a part. Cowan has been with the district 32 years and Greulich has worked there 29 years.

Terry Robinson and Lucille Wiltrout, whose children attend the schools involved, told the Board of Education last week they had collected about 300 signatures on the petition in one day. Several other parents complained about Newman’s handling of the matter.

Pine told parents at the meeting that the personnel changes “would not be subject to debate or discussion.” Robinson said later that some parents are considering a recall campaign against the board members, who unanimously endorsed Newman’s decision.