Carrboro High School principal Helena Thomas is being reassigned to a new role within the Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools Instructional Services Division, per a release from superintendent Rodney Trice Thursday afternoon. The move will go into effect Monday, July 21.

“This change is intended to support Carrboro High School in restoring stability and strengthening operations following a period of protracted disruptions,” read Trice’s statement.

The “disruptions” referenced by the school district include a walkout protest staged by both Carrboro High students and parents in May against Thomas’ leadership. The demonstration followed a letter on behalf of more than 70 staff members alleging mistreatment and poor communication from the school administration. Thomas was later suspended with pay and barred from the school’s graduation ceremony.

The Chapel Hill-Carrboro branch of the NAACP spoke out in favor of Thomas, a Black woman, asking the district to give her due process. They also criticized the decision to place her on paid leave. The school district later clarified that Thomas’ paid leave was not a disciplinary measure. Vickie Feaster Fornville, a member of the CHCCS Board of Education, denied that the board or the district knew anything about the allegations against Thomas that the public was unaware of.

Helena Thomas’ leadership at Carrboro High School was criticized by students, parents and staff. (Image via Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools)

Trice said the district reviewed “a range of concerns” raised by students, parents and staff about Thomas’ leadership. However, he said the district did not find evidence of misconduct or intentional wrongdoing on her part. Still, Trice acknowledged “a fresh start with a change in leadership is necessary to ensure we are meeting the needs of staff, students and families with confidence and clarity.”

“I want to express my appreciation to Dr. Thomas for her service to Carrboro High and her continued service to our school district,” Trice went on to say. “I am grateful that she will remain part of the CHCCS team in a new capacity.”

Associate principal Diego Mureño and assistant principal Tracey Lockhart will remain on staff for the 2025-26 school year. Trice said the district is currently finalizing a plan to name an interim principal at Carrboro High.

 

Featured image via Carrboro High School

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