South Pasadena : Ousted Principals Backed

Parents angered that two longtime elementary school principals will not be returning to their posts next fall because of a shake-up in the South Pasadena Unified School District have organized People for Reinstatement of Our Principles (sic), known as PROP, to persuade the Board of Education to retain the administrators.

PROP spokesman Terry Robinson said the group has collected more than 300 signatures on a petition supporting its cause and plans to show up in force at the school board meeting at 7:30 tonight at the district offices, 1020 El Centro St.

Arroyo Vista Principal Betty Cowan, who has worked for the district 32 years, has requested reassignment to the classroom, and Monterey Hills Principal James L. Greulich, a 29-year veteran, has submitted his resignation effective in June.

Supt. Warren Newman, who last month reportedly notified the administrators that they would not be rehired as principals, has declined to discuss specific reasons for the changes, other than to say that he had discussed several options with Cowan and Greulich. Board President Yvonne Pine said the shake-up resulted from a difference in philosophy between the principals and Newman. Pine said Newman had the unanimous support of the board in his actions.