No Word—Yet—On Final Decision About Ousted Aquila Principal

On Monday night, the St. Louis Park School Board met for the first time since it placed principal Freida Bailey on last week after a number of parents voiced strong concerns about her leadership. 

While almost one-third of Monday's meeting was held behind closed doors concerning "personnel" matters, superintendent Debra Bowers said there was still no definite date set for resolving the Bailey case. 

"We're in (the) process," Bowers said. She declined further comment.

Neither Bowers nor other school board members interviewed would offer reasons why the district moved so suddenly to place Bailey on leave without conducting a formal investigation. Still, board member Nancy Gores said the board "plans to give her a fair hearing."

Gores added that the board was currently investigating parents' accusations against Bailey. At a school board meeting , a large group of parents claiming to represent 81 of Aquila's 400-plus students charged Bailey with a "lack of leadership" that negatively impacted the school's learning environment. The parents also claimed that Bailey mishandled three bullying incidents.

Aquila administration—including Bailey—as well as the board have declined comment on the allegations, citing data privacy laws that prevent them from publicly discussing personnel matters.