In a letter Monday to parents and teachers at Woodrow Wilson High School, Dallas ISD officials named an interim principal and said they are investigating a “recent incident” at the campus.
“As you may know, a recent incident occurred on our campus that does not reflect the values and expectations of our school community,” read the letter, sent from Aaron Aguirre-Castillo, executive director of Dallas ISD’s Woodrow Wilson vertical team. “Please know that we hear your concerns and are taking the necessary steps to address this matter thoughtfully and thoroughly.”
The letter does not address the status of Principal Chandra Hooper-Barnett, who has led the school for three years, but says Danielle Petters, who previously served as principal of J.L. Long Middle School and executive director of Woodrow Wilson’s vertical team, will serve as interim principal of the campus. She worked in Dallas ISD for over three decades and is a longtime coach for school leaders, according to her LinkedIn profile.
Officials will “continue to review the details of the incident,” the letter read, though it did not provide further information about what occurred.
The Education Lab
Woodrow Wilson, located in East Dallas, served nearly 2,000 students last school year, per state data. The school received a B in this year’s academic accountability ratings.
Aguirre-Castillo did not respond to requests for comment over email and phone. Dallas ISD spokespeople did not respond to requests for comment over email and phone.
Hooper-Barnett was previously the principal at J.L. Long and has been an educator for 22 years. She was a multiyear Teacher of the Year recipient for her work teaching reading to special education students, according to the school’s website.
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