The Carrboro High School principal is on administrative leave after students, parents, and staff raised concerns about her performance at the school.
However, the local NAACP chapter argues, the school district acted too quickly in sending her home.
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Students and staff at Carrboro High School have been airing their grievances with their principal, Dr. Helena Thomas.
From a walkout on May 29, to a 15-page letter alleging communication failures, micromangement of staff, and a lack of trust, they say change is needed.
Parents spoke at a recent school board meeting on behalf of staff members.
“Some of the issues they have raised are very serious, such as concerns about safety, compliance with federal and state regulations, and a profound breakdown of communication between the administration and staff,” one parent said at the meeting.
Thomas was placed on administrative leave by the CHCCS district, but not everyone agrees with that decision, or with the allegations against her.
The Chapel Hill-Carrboro branch of the NAACP is calling the district's response heavy handed.
“We will not stand idly by and watch our African American administrators continue to be pushed out of the district unjustly without fair due process and proper protocols,” Herman Foushee, president of that chapter.
"When you send somebody home and they cannot fulfill their responsibilities and duties, that is punitive,” said Dr. Sherika Hill.
They argue the school has improved under her tenure.
"The NAACP would like to know why the district office has been silent to public attacks on Dr. Thomas' competency, professionalism, and her leadership, given their confidence in her performance, as demonstrated by a four year contract renewal on April 17th,” Foushee said.
CHCCS District Spokesperson Andy Jenks said there is a thorough and impartial investigation underway.
“We agree with the NAACP that it's critically important for there to be a due process, and that's exactly what's happening at this time,” Jenks said. “A paid administrative leave is not a punitive measure. It's not a disciplinarian measure. It's a temporary status, so that we can talk to folks in an impartial manner."
Graduation is this weekend, and the NAACP is urging the district to allow Thomas to attend. For now, she remains on administrative leave.