Students Plan Rally To Save Job Of Marjorie Stoneman Douglas Principal

PARKLAND (CBS4) -Popular Parkland Principal Washington Collado is being shown the door at A-rated Marjorie Stoneman Douglas High School, and everyone from the mayor of Parkland to the freshman class is upset.

"I can't think of anyone else being as good.  He's always nice and he's solid," said sophomore Anthony Mavigilia.

"I'd walk past him and he'd always have a conversation with me and I'm sure he's like that with every other student," Added Senior Nicholas Puya.

Collado is on a 'reassignment' list with dozens of other Broward principals and although Superintendent Robert Runcie won't confirm any names, spokeswoman Tracy Clark told CBS4 News that the superintendent is looking for 'the best fit at every school.

Parents at Stoneman Douglas have mixed feelings.

"They like him here.  The school has good grades so they should not replace him but let him stay," said parent Evan Grant.

But parent Amy Anapolsky says she's glad about the replacement.

"There's been an issue of the girls cheerleading coach," said Anapolsky.

She's referring to the firing of Stoneman Douglas cheerleading coach Melissa Prochilo.

Prochilo was ousted over allegations of bullying, questions about money and accusations she encouraged students to forge their parents signatures.

Collado supported Prochilo but the controversy led to low scores on a new evaluation system that Runcie has instituted for principals up for re-appointment.

The Broward Teachers Union said it is glad the district is now using 'data' to make decisions on administrators.

"Teachers have a right to a safe environment.  A teacher can be pulled from a classroom over any accusation and a principal needs to be arrested to be taken out of the classroom," said Marty Schaap.

A rally in support of Collado is planned for Thursday afternoon at the school.