The reassignment of 14 principals in Broward County was a hot topic at the Broward School Board meeting Monday.
The principals, including Washington Collado at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, learned this month they'd be reassigned or demoted.
"They have been informed they won't be returning to their schools, that they can apply for other jobs or they can be an assistant principle and accept a demotion," said Lisa Maxwell, executive director of the Broward Principals' and Assistants' Association. "It is just very strange. Nothing like this in the 20 years I have been doing this has ever happened in the district."
Critics blame a new criteria used to judge the principals. Many were told they were underperforming despite recently receiving high marks in recent evaluations.
Students and parents at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School rallied last week in support of Collado.
"People are outraged. People are very, very disappointed and sad," said Jan Hediger, president of the school's Parent Teacher Student Association. "Many people feel disenfranchised like the people we elected to represent us are not doing that."
A petition asking the school board to stop Collado's demotion has more than 1,000 signatures.
Broward Supt. Robert Runcie previously said the principals lost their positions to find a better "fit" for the schools.