video by @fox13seattle
Northshore School District administrators faced concerned parents in their first in-person meeting following the news that two elementary school principals, a married couple, were put on leave due to alleged drug use. The district has faced criticism for its handling of the situation and perceived lack of transparency.
The incident came to light in late April when Michael Griffin, the principal of Sunrise Elementary, had a public breakdown at a grocery store in Redmond. Police characterized Griffin's behavior as drug-induced paranoia and noted a white, powder-like substance on his lips. On May 9th, a protection order was issued to confiscate Griffin's firearms, and the same day, Sunrise Elementary staff were informed of his leave without being provided with a reason.
The controversy expanded when it was revealed that Griffin's wife, Megan, the principal of Moreland Elementary, had confessed in writing to police that the couple had been using recreational drugs for the past year. Parents were left to discover this information through media reports or their own research, leading them to demand face-to-face meetings with district administrators.
Reactions from parents have been mixed, with some showing understanding for the legal complexities of the situation, while others criticized the district for not taking responsibility and acknowledging multiple failures. A common concern among parents is the safety of their children, feeling that they should have had the right to decide whether to continue sending their children to these schools.
The Northshore School District has not yet addressed the concerns about how they are handling parents' worries. This situation has raised significant questions about transparency and the prioritization of student safety in the district.
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