Principal on leave; reason is not given

Principal John Sanders is on indefinite leave from his post at College Park Elementary School in Costa Mesa because of “unforeseen circumstances,” according to the school district.

Assistant Principal Julie Duddridge has temporarily taken over the position to finish out the school year, which doesn’t end until the middle of next month.

District spokeswoman Laura Boss said the district could not comment on the reason for the move so close to the end of the school year or if Sanders will return to his role as principal in the future because it’s district policy not to disclose information about personnel matters.

Some parents were alarmed by the principal’s quiet departure and the school’s vague explanation.

Rumors have been circulating about the possible reason for such an abrupt departure.

“Sanders was well-loved by students, staff and the parents. In the last two years he has done an incredible job of developing a community of parents working to improve the school,” said Stacey Sanchez, a parent of two College Park students. “We are angry and want our principal back.”

Jirka Batlik, another parent, sent an open letter to Supt. Jeffrey Hubbard asking the district to reconsider.

He said that Sanders was the reason that he chose to send his child to College Park.