LITCHFIELD – A group of parents is prepared to fight for Principal Aurelie Bush, who was put on paid leave this week because of conflicts with Superintendent Paul Malinski.
Her supporters want her reinstated as head of the local elementary and middle schools.
“She’s great with the kids and they just love her,” said parent Brenda Emmons. “We don’t even know why she’s gone, and our community wants her back.”
Bush was put on administrative leave Monday by Malinski, who oversees School Union 44, comprising schools in Litchfield, Sabattus and Wales.
Bush was hired to head Libby-Tozier and Carrie Ricker Middle schools in August.
School officials wouldn’t say why she was placed on leave, but her lawyer, Glenn Israel, said it was because of differences of opinion between Bush and Malinski on a number of issues.
“The superintendent has started this process to resolve the conflict, and we are confident that Ms. Bush will return to her position soon,” Israel said. He expected to have the matter settled before the next school committee meeting in February.
“We’re confident that Aurelie Bush will be just fine,” Israel said.
Emmons said she and other parents are not taking chances. They’ve begun a petition drive to show their support. Several attended Wednesday’s School Committee meeting urge Bush’ return.
“We were told that they might be willing to set up a special meeting between now and the February meeting, to express our opinions,” Emmons said. “They can’t tell us anything, but it would be a chance for parents to vent.”
Emmons and other parents may protest in front of the schools on Monday to show their support for Bush. There are no classes on Monday – the day has been set aside for a teachers’ workshop – so they wouldn’t disrupt classes, Emmons said.
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