GILBERT, Ariz. - Dozens of students walked out of Williams Field High School in Gilbert protesting the resignation of their beloved principal today.
And tonight, things are getting even more heated as the board accepted the resignation. But the big question is why?
No one seems to know.
The acceptance of the Williams Field High School principal’s resignation is coming as a shock to hundreds of students who were hoping the board would table it at a special meeting Friday night.
“I think it is necessary and appropriate to honor her decision without delay,” said Venessa Whitener, vice president of the Higley Unified School District board.
The crowd starting yelling, “No!” as soon as she started speaking. Whitener then announced the Williams Field High School principal had resigned at 5:05 p.m. Friday.
“I appreciate the service Dr. Wattawa has provided to the district and wish her well,” said Whitener. “All those in favor to adjourn, I.”
The board deciding to accept her resignation left some students in tears.
“They just ran away one of the best principals that any school could have,” said Thomas Cox, a Williams Field senior.
“It was basically just a selfish decision,” said Ryan Monsserat, also a senior.
“It’s crazy because this shouldn’t happen,” said senior Michael Roots. “It shouldn’t happen at all.”
“I think we lost a big part of school,” said freshman Jacob Meighan. “Wattawa was so big -- she changed people’s lives.”
Parents and teachers are frustrated.
“Parents love her. Teachers love her… that’s rare,” said Cherrise West, a Williams Field alumni parent and substitute teacher. “That’s rare to have this kind of support for a principal.”
West put the blame squarely on the district.
“Higley Unified School District, you messed up big time today, big time,” said West.
So even though parents and students showed up at the district meeting looking for answers and hoping the district would change its mind, they did not get their wish.
Still, no one is saying why Wattawa is resigning and no one is answering at the high school.
The Higley Unified School District issued a brief statement Friday afternoon that did not address the reasons for Wattawa's resignation:
"During 3rd hour today several students gathered in the WFHS courtyard to hold a peaceful demonstration. Students respectfully returned to their classrooms. Based upon the students statements, it appears they are aware that the Board is going to be taking action tonight on the Principal’s letter of resignation." - Higley Unified School District Spokesperson