Parents Plead With Broward School Board To Save Principal's Job

PARKLAND (CBS4) - Angry parents pleaded with the Broward School Board on Monday to reconsider a decision on replacing a popular Parkland principal.

Washington Collado, the principal at Marjorie Stoneman Douglas High School, has been told his contract isn't being renewed for the next school year.

This has outraged some parents because the school is rated 'A' and Collado has scored high marks on his evaluations.

Last week students walked out of class and attended a huge rally outside the high school supporting Collado.

"He has received the highest rating.  I don't see out this is under-performance," said Jan Hediger who is the PTA president.

Parent Scott Ethridge was blunt.

"I am just one parent. But you've lost the trust of 3000 parents and students.  There is no faith in your leadership," said Ethridge. "The principal has to stay."

Some parents say the move is 'political' because Collado supported a controversial cheerleading coach.

Superintendent Robert Runcie says it's not true.

The district has instituted a new rating system for principals and he is looking for the best 'fit' at every school.

"We've got to do what is in the best interest of the children," said Runcie. "It's that simple."

Runcie said Collado is one of a dozen principals who are going to be reassigned to other schools in the district.

He insists no one is being fired.

Meanwhile parents say they will take the issue to the Inspector General of Florida.