In the backpacks of Phoenicia Elementary School students today, along with the annual haul of Valentine's Day cards, was a somber letter from the Onteora School District: Principal Linda Sella was placed on administrative leave this week.
In a phone conversation Thursday afternoon, Onteora Board of Education president Ann McGillicuddy confirmed that Sella had been placed on leave, but did not give further details on her suspension. McGillicuddy told the Watershed Post that some Phoenicia parents were informed at a Wednesday PTA meeting, and others found out today via a letter sent home with students.
Both McGillicuddy and Onteora superintendent Phyllis McGill refused to discuss why Sella had been placed on leave, stating that it was a personnel issue.
