Bell : Parents Protest Transfer of Woodlawn Vice Principal

A group of parents and teachers at Woodlawn Elementary School in Bell on Tuesday picketed on the sidewalk to protest the reassignment of the school’s popular vice principal, Helen Jacobson, who is being replaced because she did not meet qualifications to keep her job.

Jacobson, who has served as interim vice principal for two years, will be leaving the post next week, said Bonnie Rubio, Los Angeles County Unified School District regional administrator. Jacobson’s reassignment stems from her failure to pass an oral exam she recently took to remain at the vice-principal level, Rubio said.

Jacobson was not available to comment on her transfer or the test results.

Rubio said that although Jacobson may choose to take a teaching position at a number of elementary schools, she is expected to be reassigned as a coordinator at the Elizabeth Street Elementary School in nearby Cudahy at about the same rate of pay.

Woodlawn PTA President Mary Erskine, whose twin 7-year-old sons attend the school, said Jacobson is a popular administrator and should not be reassigned. “The children love her,” said Erskine, who joined others in the afternoon protest. Demonstrators carried signs that said: “Don’t take her away. We need her.”

Rubio said that although she understands “the strong feelings for Mrs. Jacobson,” another more-qualified candidate has been chosen to become vice principal beginning next week. “We understand the concerns, but we have to follow through” with the reassignment, Rubio said.