The principal of Richneck Elementary School in Virginia. Where a 6-year-old boy shot his first-grade teacher. Has been removed from his post as children returned. To class Monday for the first time since the shooting with new safety protocols in place.
Brianna Foster Newton, who was principal at the time of the Jan. 6 shooting, is no longer serving in that role.District spokeswoman Michelle Price said Monday. It is not clear what his new role will be.
Her departure marks the latest in a string of departures in the wake of the shooting. In which first-grade teacher Abigail Zwarner, 25, was hospitalized. With serious injuries to an arm and her chest.
Assistant Principal Dr. Ebony Parker resigned, Price said Friday. The school system’s superintendent, George Parker III.
With the departure of the principal and assistant principal, Karen Lynch. The district’s extended learning supervisor and an experienced elementary school principa. Will serve as administrator on special assignment to Richneke. Coordinating the return of students to learning.
With Parker’s impending departure, the school board voted to name Dr. Michelle Mitchell. As interim superintendent of schools to oversee. The district of approximately 26,500 students. He currently serves as Newport News Public Schools’ executive. Director of student advancement, the district said.
School will look a little different for Richneck students returning Monday.
Two permanent school department security officers . Will be present, two metal detector systems have been installed.
Psychological support services for students, families and staff will continue, including in-person services
Police hailed Zawarner as a hero after he was shot intentionally, and despite his wounds. He still managed to get about 20 students out of his classroom to safety.
On Wednesday, Zwerner’s attorney Diane Toscano announced. She would file a lawsuit on her client’s behalf. Toscano said three teachers approached school. Administrators about the boy’s behavior on Jan.
In one incident between a concerned teacher and an administrator, an administrator said. Wait for the situation because the school day is almost over,” Toscano said.
Police Chief Steve Drew said the boy’s mother legally purchased the 9mm Taurus firearm used. In the shooting and the boy took the gun from her home.
The family of the boy who shot Zawarner said in a statement that the child “suffered from. Asevere disability and was under a care plan at school” in which either his mother or father attended classes with him.
The statement said the gun was “safe” when he took it from their home but did not go into further detail.
“The week of the shooting was the first week we were not in class with him. We will regret our absence on this day for the rest of our lives,” the statement said. The boy has been in the hospital since the shooting. Receive “the treatment he needs,” it says.
