(WTTW News)
The leader of a prominent West Englewood middle and high school has been removed from his post, months after students walked out in protest over his decision to fire a popular assistant principal.
Chicago Public Schools on Friday informed parents and students at Lindblom Math & Science Academy that it had removed Abdul Muhammad from his principal duties, citing “an investigation that substantiated findings” against him.
“Please know that we are taking this situation extremely seriously, and we remain committed to providing Lindblom students with a positive learning environment where they can reach their full potential,” CPS Network 16 Chief of Schools Devon LaRosa said in a statement. “While the Network 16 team is unable to discuss details regarding the case, we are available to discuss the steps CPS takes to support students and matters related to your.”
The district did not disclose specifics of the investigation, but noted Muhammad has been reassigned to the Network 16 Office.
Lindblom serves nearly 1,400 students across grades 7-12.
Hundreds of students walked out from Lindblom at the start of the school year after Muhammad decided not to retain assistant principal Karen Fitzpatrick Carpenter. Chicago’s Board of Education repeatedly delayed a proposed four-year contract for Muhammad in recent months, as students also spoke out against him and his administration.
“The decision Mr. Muhammad made has not only devastated us, but severed the trust we once held for him,” Lindblom senior Shelby Holloway told the board last August. “No principal who claims to serve his students would do this to us or hold out on a wrong decision while students are calling for it to be reversed.”
Students said the school was in “chaos” to start the academic year, while parents have claimed Muhammad had referred to the Lindblom community as his “opposition.”
When students return to the school after spring break on April 10, Everett Edwards will serve as Lindblom's administrator-in-charge.
“We are fully committed to supporting the Lindblom community through this challenging situation,” LaRosa said in a statement. “I am confident he will support the continued success of the Lindblom community.”
LaRosa’s full letter can be read below:
Dear Lindblom Parents and Guardians,
We always strive to keep you informed of matters involving your school, which is why I am writing to you today.
Today, Friday, March 31, CPS removed Abdul Muhammad from his principal duties at Lindblom effective immediately due to an investigation that substantiated findings against Mr. Muhammad. He has been reassigned to the Network 16 Office.
We are fully committed to supporting the Lindblom community through this challenging situation. Beginning Monday, April 10, Everett Edwards will serve as Lindblom's Administrator-in-Charge. I am confident he will support the continued success of the Lindblom community.
Please know that we are taking this situation extremely seriously, and we remain committed to providing Lindblom students with a positive learning environment where they can reach their full potential. While the Network 16 team is unable to discuss details regarding the case, we are available to discuss the steps CPS takes to support students and matters related to your child.
Please call the Network 16 office at 773-535-8240 if you have any questionsor concerns.
Sincerely,
Devon LaRosa
Contact Matt Masterson: @ByMattMasterson | [email protected] | (773) 509-5431
