VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. - Dr. Brian Matney will no longer be principal of Landstown High School, according to a statement from Virginia Beach Public Schools Superintendent Aaron Spence.
Matney will be reassigned as a program evaluation specialist in the Office of Research and Evaluation effective immediately.
In his statement, Spence said the school launched an investigation that involved statements from more than 100 Landstown High School staff members and Matney's former colleagues.
"While some spoke favorably about Dr. Matney, others shared a significant number of concerns and complaints about his leadership," Spence said. "From those concerns, common themes quickly and consistently emerged centered on the work environment, interactions with staff, the school climate, safety and security and student discipline matters."
- Read Dr. Spence's statement regarding the decision
- Read the letter from Dr. Spence to Landstown Students and Families
Matney released a statement through his lawyer shortly after:
While I am gratified that the exhaustive, and unprecedented, investigation conducted by the division has resulted in no disciplinary action, I must admit I am disappointed that I will not be returning to Landstown High School, a place I will always cherish. I am so proud of all that we, as students, teachers, and educators, have been able to accomplish there, from the inauguration of a Governor's STEM Academy and establishment of a national demonstration AVID site to the crafting of new solar array sponsored by Dominion Resources and recognition by the Partnership for 21st Century Learning (P21) as one of sixty exemplar schools in America.
I am also humbled by the overwhelming support I have received from so many pupils, parents, and classroom instructors while the investigation continued. In my new capacity as a program evaluation specialist, I hope to continue to serve my division -- and our standout students and teachers -- with distinction.
A former student tells NewsChannel 3, the mood amongst alumni can be summarized as "angry."
"Everyone is angry, they are mad," says Kymonya Jones, a 2014 graduate. "You could have at least let him finish out the year, you know? That is still my high school, and they have failed us."
Jerry Deviney will remain as the acting principal at Landstown High for the rest of the school year. Virginia Beach Public Schools is in the process of selecting a new principal for the 2016-2017 school year.
The school system announced Matney was put on administrative leave April 15, but the exact reason still remains unclear. Dr. Dan Edwards, the school board chairman, said the reason had to do with school safety, but didn't elaborate.
"It's a very awkward situation," he said.
A group supporting Matney created a change.org petition, which currently has over 1,600 signatures.
Matney's supporters are worried the lack of information is giving off the wrong impression and don't understand why the decision to would happen towards the end of the school year.
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