Report: Atascadero school district opens two investigations amid high school principal’s leave

District confirms outside investigation; principal remains on paid leave
– The Atascadero Unified School District has opened two investigations connected to the leave of Atascadero High School Principal Nikki Baca, New Times San Luis Obispo reported.
According to New Times, the district hired an outside law firm to investigate allegations involving Baca, who was placed on paid administrative leave in mid-October. The school board has also begun an independent review of separate allegations involving Superintendent Tom Bennett. Libby Madding was named interim principal.
At the Nov. 3 board meeting, board President Denise McGrew-Kane confirmed that Baca remains on leave and described paid administrative leave as a standard, nondisciplinary step. District officials say confidentiality rules for personnel matters limit what they can share while the investigations continue.
For more information, visit www.atasusd.org.




