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Atascadero Unified opens two investigations as the high school principal stays on leave
Baca's leave has stretched from mid-October into November
- OctoberBaca is placed on paid administrative leave in mid-October.
- Oct. 20Baca's husband accuses Bennett of retaliation at a board meeting.
- Oct. 30Bennett's letter to families and staff confirms the investigations.
- Nov. 3Board president confirms Baca remains on leave.
Source: New Times San Luis Obispo
If you have a student at Atascadero High, here's where things stand. Principal Nikki Baca has been on paid administrative leave since mid-October, and the Atascadero Unified School District now has two separate investigations going. The district hired an outside law firm to investigate allegations of misconduct involving Baca. The school board started an independent review of allegations against Superintendent Tom Bennett, according to board President Denise McGrew-Kane. Libby Madding was named interim principal, A-Town Daily News reported.
At the Oct. 20 meeting, Baca's husband, Joseph Baca, accused Bennett and other administrators of retaliating against her. He also accused Bennett of making inappropriate comments about her. New Times says it hasn't independently verified the allegations, and the Tribune reported that Bennett has denied them. McGrew-Kane called paid leave a "standard non-disciplinary measure."
- Interim principal: Libby Madding
- District limits details, citing confidential personnel matters
- District information: www.atasusd.org
Two investigations are looking at two sets of allegations
| Who | Allegations | Led by |
|---|---|---|
| Principal Nikki Baca | Misconduct | Outside law firm |
| Superintendent Tom Bennett | Inappropriate comments | School board's independent review |
Sources: New Times San Luis Obispo, A-Town Daily News
