PUBLISHER’S NOTE/DISCLAIMER: The writer’s wife is a teacher at Luray Middle School, and their daughter currently attends the school.
By Randy Arrington
LURAY, Feb. 13 — Parents received notice Tuesday morning. Teachers were told during an impromptu meeting on Monday afternoon…Luray Middle School is searching for a new principal.
“I write to you today to provide information regarding the leadership and operation of Luray Middle School, ” reads a letter dated Feb. 12 from Dr. Antonia Fox, superintendent of Page County Public Schools. “Ms. [Heather] Pearson will not be returning to LMS. We are actively working to ensure a smooth transition during this time of change.”
The school division has not specifically indicated if Principal Pearson resigned, or had her contract and employment terminated following an “investigation” that began in December.
“Ms. Pearson…Principal of Luray Middle School, has also been a classroom teacher and assistant principal with the division. She was placed on paid administrative leave on Thursday, December 14, 2023 and will remain on leave until the conclusion of our investigation,” Dr. Fox replied to a PVN inquiry in mid-January.
On Jan. 2, a letter from Dr. Fox to LMS families indicated that “until further notice, Mr. Clint Runyan, the PCPS Director of Secondary Instruction, will serve as the lead administrator and point of contact for Luray Middle School.” Runyan will remain the top administrator at LMS until a new principal is hired, according to Monday’s letter.
“The administration team of Mr. Clint Runyan and Mrs. Emily Deamond will remain in place until a new principal is named,” the Feb. 12 letter states. “They, along with the talented faculty and staff of LMS, are committed to providing the instruction and support you and your children have come to expect from LMS.”
The local school division is “currently accepting applications for the position of Principal of Luray Middle School and anticipate naming a new principal as soon as possible,” according to Dr. Fox.
Regarding the new hire, PCPS is requesting input from parents, students and teachers.
“Your input is valuable to us,” Monday’s letter continues. “Parents and Guardians of current LMS students are asked to provide feedback on the qualities and characteristics they would like to see in the new principal. Click HERE to access a short, anonymous survey that will remain open until Friday, Feb. 23, 2024.”
Pearson’s departure is the second for a PCPS principal this school year among Page County’s nine schools.
For more information about Page County Public Schools,
visit https://www.pagecounty.k12.va.us/o/pcps
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Make sure you hire somebody who supports teaching young minds how to think and not what to think. Also that the lucky candidate isn’t a sex pervert.