UPDATED: SW Journal Reports Principal Carol Markham-Cousins Out at Washburn HS

Update (3:45 p.m. Thursday): According to an updated report at the Star Tribune, a Minneapolis Public Schools spokesman "confirmed that an investigation involving [reassigned Washburn High School principal Carol] Markham-Cousins is underway." The Star Tribune post explains that testimony about a student protest earlier this week is part of the investigation:

One potential reason that the district is investigating Markham-Cousins is the assertion by [student Jamison Whiting] that he was told by her that he couldn't leave an administrator's office until he agreed to call off a protest.

Board member Rebecca Gagnon said that the testimony to the baord Tuyesday by Whiting and others was a matter of concern. “You have to investigate. Kids are dramatic and so are adults," she said.

Added board member Hussein Samatar, “It is shocking to me because we have not been briefed that this decision was coming."  

Read the full updated post at startribune.com.

Update (3 p.m. Thursday):  The Minneapolis Public Schools made a public comment about the ouster of Washburn High School Principal Carol Markham-Cousins, the Southwest Journal reported in an updated post:

“Events over this current year have distracted from the learning environment at Washburn," Alleyne said, reading from a prepared statement. "Although we know that Ms. Markham-Cousins has been a passionate advocate for students and families, our administration recognizes that a change in leadership is necessary now to restore the school’s effective learning environment."

Retired Minneapolis principal Robert McCauley is serving as substitute principal at Washburn. An interim principal will be selected later this year, and the district will move forward with hiring a permanent new principal before the start of next school year, Alleyne said.

Read the full updated post at swjournal.com.

Related from Southwest Minneapolis Patch:

• 'goodbye mrs. cousins': Response to Principal's Ouster at Washburn HS

Update (2:38 p.m. Thursday): The Star Tribune reported that Minneapolis School Board Member Hussein Samatar confirmed news from the Southwest Journal that Washburn High School Principal Carol Markham-Cousins has been relieved of her job there.

"Board members were notified Wednesday night of the decision," according to the Star Tribune, citing Samatar.

A statement posted at the school website earlier in the week said Markham-Cousins was not involved with disciplinary steps against Athletic Director Dan Pratt:

It is important for students and parents to know that decisions related to Mr. Pratt’s employment with MPS have been and continue to be made by the school district, not by Washburn Principal Markham-Cousins or other school staff members.

Hundreds of students were reported to have left school Monday in a protest in support of Pratt.

Original post (2:08 p.m. Thursday): The Southwest Journal is reporting that Minneapolis Public Schools officials have "relieved" Washburn High School Principal Carol Markham-Cousins of her job assignment:

“I was informed this morning by Minneapolis Public Schools Human Resources Director Rick Kreyer that I was being relieved of my assignment as the principle [sic] of Minneapolis Washburn High School. Mr. Kreyer gave me three choices: Resign, take a leave of absence, (or) accept a reassignment in Minneapolis Public Schools. Minneapolis Publics Schools Associate Superintendent Theresa Battle informed me this morning that this action taken by the district involving my work is not a disciplinarily action. At this time I have chosen to accept a reassignment in Minneapolis Public Schools.”

Read the full post at swjournal.com.

The news comes three days after Washburn students staged a walkout protest over reports of discipline or firing of Athletic Director Dan Pratt in connection with the purchase of a new scoreboard for the school's athletic field.

School officials announced a code-yellow for the building before the protest and warned that students who participated would have unexcused absences and would not take part in after school activities.

An online petition drew hundreds of supporters in support of Pratt. One student told local media students were willing to be suspended for leaving school as part of the protest.

Related Southwest Minneapolis Patch posts:

• Dan Pratt Supporters Begin Online Petition
• Students Talk Washburn HS Walkout on Twitter
• Washburn HS under Code Yellow as Students Protest AD Firing