Principal Returns to Work

Inglewood High School Principal Lawrence Freeman, vowing to maintain his outspoken style, has returned to work this week after his second major run-in with Superintendent George McKenna.

McKenna sent Freeman home last Tuesday after the school’s basketball coach, Vincent Combs, accused Freeman of injuring his arm, shoulder and neck by repeatedly striking him with an office door. Police are investigating a criminal assault and battery complaint that Combs filed against Freeman.

Freeman, 67, angered and embarrassed by his second suspension by McKenna this school year, did not attend a meeting with McKenna scheduled for last Wednesday, called in sick the rest of the week and hinted that he might retire. Freeman and McKenna spoke this week and came to an understanding, school officials said.

McKenna “told me to come back to work,” Freeman said. “I’m going to continue to work until someone tells me not to.”

As for his tough leadership style, Freeman, who is known to students by the sometimes affectionate, sometimes disparaging nickname “Screamin’ Freeman,” does not predict any major changes.

“You either totally like me or you totally dislike me--that’s the personality God has given me,” Freeman said. “On a scale from 1 to 10, I would get a good 9 from my parents and students.”