Local News in Brief : Board Rescinds Firing of Principal

The Inglewood school board has reversed its decision to fire a high school principal who police say embezzled school funds for personal expenses including clothing, cosmetics and a Nativity display for his front yard.

At the recommendation of Supt. George McKenna, board members voted 2 to 1 Monday to rescind an October decision that initiated dismissal proceedings against Leonard Matthews, former principal of Hillcrest High School. Instead of ordering Matthews to appear before a state commission that would have decided whether to dismiss him, the board demoted him to a teaching position. Matthews also has agreed to pay $10,000 in restitution to the school district, board member Joseph Rouzan said.

According to a search warrant application filed by Inglewood police, Matthews embezzled at least $4,000 from various public funds, including student snack bar profits, employee paychecks and donations to the school from businesses. Evidence from a yearlong investigation has been turned over to prosecutors, police said.