Marjory Stoneman Douglas Principal Ty Thompson Under Investigation
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MIAMI (CBSMiami) - Marjorie Stoneman Douglas High School principal Ty Thompson will shift duties.
Thompson is being investigated as part of a school district inquiry into the circumstances surrounding the mass shooting of February 14, 2018.
Stoneman Douglas teacher Greg Pittman was in the meeting where the announcement was made.
"There is going to be a large outcry from the school, the students had already planned a big protest if it was to happen in the past," Pittman said.
Thompson will remain at the school "to focus on recovery efforts, and to provide oversight on the construction of the new replacement building," according to Kathy Koch, Chief Public Information Officer for Broward Schools.
"Kids are going to be upset, very unhappy," added Pittman.
District administrators based the decision to keep principal Thompson to be in the best interest of the students and teachers.
Thompson has provided stability to the school and community and has been considered by many to be instrumental in helping with healing and recovery.
Carman Miller's daughter was at Stoneman Douglas the day of the shooting.
"How does he have anything to do with what happened?" Miller says.
"How is it his fault?" Brooke Miller asks.
A member of the MSD commission Ryan Petty lost his daughter in the shooting.
"We did question Ty Thompson leadership in the day, weeks and months leading up to the tragedy," Petty said.
The commission report had come to the conclusion, "Thompson was disengaged from the threat assessment process" and admitted that "I'm not made aware of all the threat assessments that come in."
"I am pleased to see the investigation be expanded," Petty said.
Koch said, "Thompson will continue to participate in student activities and events, including the upcoming prom and graduation, and regional and state competitions."
Principal Teresa Hall, who joined MSD as co-principal in July 2018, will take over the school's day-to-day operations.
Former MSD Principal Dan Traeger will provide additional oversight and support, according to Koch.
Officials based the decision to keep Thompson at MSD for the "best interest of the students and teachers," Koch said.
"I am confident this approach will allow the investigation process to continue while maintaining consistency for students, families and staff," said BCPS Superintendent Robert Runcie.
The investigation involving Thompson and three assistant principals will be completed by the end of the 2018/19 school year, officials announced.
