Search begins for interim principal at Washington High School

CEDAR RAPIDS - A process to name an interim principal is now in place at Washington High School in Cedar Rapids.

John Laverty, president of the Cedar Rapids Community School District Board of Education, announced the plans late Wednesday.

The interim job is to be posted on Monday, Aug. 8, and is open only to internal candidates, Laverty said.

The hiring is necessary as Ralph Plagman, 72, announced his retirement Tuesday after 35 years heading the school. He said district officials asked him to leave amid allegations his administration mishandled the investigation and removal of a substitute teacher who has said she was in a sexual relationship with a 17-year-old student at the school.

Interviews and the selection of Washington's interim principal are to take place Monday, Aug. 15, and the school board plans to approve the hire on Monday, Aug. 22, Laverty said.

Washington staff members were made aware of the timeline Wednesday afternoon, he added.

Laverty said the school board is receiving updates from district officials regarding the district's ongoing investigation into actions related to Mary Beth Haglin, the 24-year-old substitute teacher who was charged with sexual exploitation in July.

'Although some events being reviewed as part of the investigation occurred earlier this year, some additional information came to light in recent days,” Laverty said in a statement, noting school board members are to review the results of the investigation and 'take appropriate action based upon any recommendations that are made as a result.”

Laverty said the seven school board members - five of whom have children who are attending or have graduated from Washington High, 'are aware of the inopportune timing of Dr. Plagman's resignation.”

'It is unfortunate that his long tenure at WHS ended this way,” Laverty said. 'Given information we're aware of to-date, we are supportive of actions taken by district administration under consultation with our legal counsel.”

The selection process for a permanent principal at Washington High is to begin in January with a posting of the job, according to Laverty.

The new principal is to be selected in March, after a screening of applicants and interviews, with the board approving the hire in March or April.