Parkland Principal Removed From Duties Pending Investigation

FORT LAUDERDALE, FL — The Florida principal who famously hugged his students in the days following the horrific school shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School has been removed from his day-to-day duties at the school pending the results of an internal investigation, Broward County school officials announced Thursday.

Spokeswoman Kathy Koch said that the district’s internal investigation into the tragedy will be expanded Friday to include Principal Ty Thompson.

“During the investigation, Thompson will remain at the school to focus on recovery efforts and to provide oversight on the construction of the new replacement building,” Koch said. “He will continue to participate in student activities and events, including the upcoming prom and graduation and regional and state competitions.”

The school’s day-to-day operations will be managed by Principal Teresa Hall, who has been serving as a co-principal since last July. Students and staff remembered the 17 victims of the Feb. 14, 2018, massacre last month on the one-year anniversary.

Watch the emotional video Thompson made after the shooting in which he promised to hug his students:

“Additional oversight and support will be provided by former MSD Principal Dan Traeger,” said Koch. “Traeger, who hired many of the teachers and staff currently at the high school, is highly regarded by the staff and the community. He currently provides leadership development for principals in the district.”

Hall worked with Traeger when Traeger was the principal of West Broward High School and Hall was an assistant principal.

“District administrators based the decision to keep Principal Thompson at MSD to be in the best interest of the students and teachers,” Koch explained. “Since the tragedy, Thompson has provided stability to the school and community, and has been considered by many to be instrumental in helping with healing and recovery.”

Broward County school officials voted 6 to 3 earlier this month to retain embattled Superintendent Robert Runcie following a day of heightened emotions and dozens of speakers, most of whom were in support of the school chief. A number of Parkland parents have called for Runcie to be fired over his handling of the school shooting.

“I am confident this approach will allow the investigation process to continue while maintaining consistency for students, families and staff,” said Runcie with respect to the reassignment of Thompson.

The investigation of Thompson and three assistant principals is expected to be completed by the end of the school year, according to Koch.