AUSD launches independent investigations amid principal’s leave

Atascadero High School Principal Nikki Baca has been on paid administrative leave for nearly a month. Since then, students, parents, and teachers have called for her return; her husband has accused district administrators of retaliation; and allegations of inappropriate comments have surfaced against Superintendent Tom Bennett. Now, the Atascadero Unified School District is conducting two separate investigations. The district has hired an outside law firm to investigate allegations of misconduct involving Baca, while the school board initiated an independent review of allegations against Bennett, according to board President Denise McGrew-Kane. When Baca was placed on leave in mid-October, the district offered little explanation, citing the confidentiality of personnel matters. At an Oct. 20 board meeting, Baca’s husband, Joseph Baca, accused Bennett and other administrators of retaliating against his wife for questioning leadership decisions and raising concerns about student safety.

This excerpt comes from the named source. Read the original for the full reporting.