Find Out Why Willow Dale Elementary School Is Missing Its Principals

WARMINSTER, PA — The top two leaders of the Willow Dale Elementary School are out on leave, surprising some Centennial School Board members.

Schools Superintendent Dana T. Bedden told Patch Tuesday that Willow Dale Elementary Principal Nicole Kelly and Assistant Principal Janis Rindone have taken temporary leaves of absence due to personal/medical reasons.

Bedden said he shared that news with the Centennial School Board, the Willow Dale Elementary staff, parents and guardians, and the community on Friday.

"We respect their privacy during this time, wish them well, and look forward to their return," Bedden said.

But two school board members said the leaves were new to them.

"He has not explained anything to us. I am the school board president, and there has been no explanation at all," School Board President Mary Alice Brancato said Tuesday. "He will have us approve it retroactively, I’m sure."

In a follow-up message, Bedden explained that by virtue of the law, board policy, and employment agreements (which already are approved by the school board) "those things are often already employee rights as long as the outlined process is followed."

Bedden said that certain things are formally captured in personnel actions later at an official school board meeting.

For example, Bedden said a military leave could be on a school board agenda after the fact if the person was activated in an emergency situation with short notice.

As far as the Willow Dale leaves, Bedden said that other administrators have been detailed to the school for the rest of the year.

"Employees are CSD employees, not school employees, and are committed to serving all CSD students," Bedden said.

School Director Jane Lynch told Patch Tuesday that she received a lot of calls Monday night from concerned residents.

Lynch said she was concerned for parents upset for their children, with the school year ending soon during this time of transition.