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. 1 — It’s been a month since Page County Public Schools sent a notice out to the families of Luray Middle School. It’s been closer to two months since Principal Heather Pearson has been seen on campus. In the last two weeks, the Central Office of PCPS publicly acknowledged that the second principal (among nine in the county) had been placed on administrative leave since the school year began just over five months ago.
“I write to you today to provide information regarding the leadership and operation of Luray Middle School. 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,” reads a Jan. 2 letter to LMS families from the division’s superintendent, Dr. Antonia Fox.
“With the strong and capable support of Ms. Emily Deamond, LMS Assistant Principal, and the talented LMS faculty and staff, we are confident that your child(ren) will continue to receive the education and support you have come to expect,” the letter continues. However, no information is offered about why Principal Pearson is no longer at the helm, where she is now, or when she may return.
“The reasons for this decision are confidential and details cannot be shared. Confidentiality is a right afforded to all in PCPS; including students and staff,” the letter states. “Unfortunately, rumors sometimes begin to circulate. To dispel rumors, gossip, hearsay, and the misrepresentation of information, I wish to share a few things with you. Many times, information is brought to the attention of the division that requires review. PCPS works diligently to hear all sides of a situation and to separate fact from fiction, rumor and hearsay. This often takes time and may require the division to implement steps to ensure that the school or classroom continues to operate effectively.”
Principal Pearson’s noticeable absence just prior to the Christmas vacation and not long after a staff holiday gathering off-campus was acknowledged by Dr. Fox in a response to an inquiry from PVN regarding the principal’s status.
“Ms. Pearson, currently the 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 told PVN. “There is no set timeline to this process as we work to ensure we have all the facts before making any decisions.”
While Dr. Fox would not share details of the “investigation” surrounding Principal Pearson, she seemed to indicate that there had been allegations of some type of misconduct — as was the case earlier this year at Shenandoah Elementary (see links to stories below). Much of the superintendent’s response mimicked her responses to PVN’s inquiries surrounding the suspension and ultimate termination of two employees at Shenandoah Elementary last semester.
“In all situations, our review of information and any subsequent decisions focus on the people at the center of the issue and what can or cannot be proven. In some instances, the facts may or may not reflect what is circulating in the school, community or on social media,” Dr. Fox stated. “In Page County Public Schools, we are committed to our students, their education, safety and wellbeing. As part of our commitment, we have high expectations of our staff. Our School Board has strong policies in place that address the level of conduct and professionalism required of all employees, including the expectation that employees serve as role models to the students and families we serve at all times.”
“Given that the details and outcomes of investigations are not broadly shared, some people are left to believe that no action was taken or that the wrong action was taken. We simply ask that people not make assumptions without knowing all the facts. Also, in many instances, the facts of the situation are likely very different from what is circulating in the community or on social media,” Dr. Fox continued.
“We do ask for continued patience as we follow the processes outlined in our policies. We have encouraged our faculty and staff to remain focused on instruction, thus keeping our students at the center of their work.”
For more information about Page County Public Schools,
visit https://www.pagecounty.k12.va.us/o/pcps
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I can understand being tight lipped during an investigation, but after the investigation is done and action is taken or not, the employer (Taxpayer) of the school system has a right to know what is going on with these problems. Especially if it involves the leadership over the children.
The taxpayers really don’t. Employee records are protected as private and are not subject to FOIA. Employers are specifically PROHIBITED from discussing employee discipline even if they want to.
It seems to me one policy needs to be changed and that is paid leave since investigations take so long.another thing is the school’s can do without a principal for 5 or 6 months then obviously we are paying too many people to sit around in offices doing nothing!!
We are not supposed to make assumptions without all the facts according to Fox. But we are given no facts. So without facts people are naturally going to make assumptions.
Isn’t this the same person that let a kid drown at Yogi Bear on a field trip when she taught at LES?
It sure was! She was supposed to be an assistant principal the next year at Stanley but then they moved her to a teacher at Springfield when that happened. Let’s not forget her inappropriate relationship with a teacher at her LMS too. I think he is or was the football coach. Sounds like someone that is a good leader. Not.
There is an awful lot at stake if any employer reveals too much or says too much. While Virginia is a “right to work” state, you cannot fire someone or punish them in an unlawful way. There is a tremendous amount of liability involved on the school’s part, so yes, information is often very secretive so taxpayers don’t suffer legal repercussions.
Are there any DEI complications?
No, but you need to report to the ODM (Old Disgruntled Men) Office to get your marching orders ..
“Rob”. You sound like a typical incompetent DEI representative, sir.