Atascadero High Principal Nikki Baca put on administrative leave

Details scant after message to parents, staff announced action on Oct. 15

Atascadero High School Principal Nikki Baca was put on administrative leave by the Atascadero Unified School District, it was announced by the district in a message sent to parents and staff on Thursday, Oct. 15.

The reasons for the actions were not disclosed.

Libby Manning, the principal of Paloma Creek High School and ACE Academy, the district's alternative education sites, was named the interim principal of AHS and took over on Friday.

Parents and community members have been commenting on the administrative leave since it was announced, and one started an online petition titled "Bring Baca Back" in support of the principal.

"We call on the school community to bring back Principal Baca and restore the leadership our school depends on," reads the opening paragraph of the petition, whose author remains anonymous. "Principal Baca has been an important part of the school, and many of us know her as an amazing principal who cares about students, families, and the life of the school." The petition can be found at www.ipetitions.com/p/bring-baca-back/

The AUSD will have its regular board meeting Tuesday night, Oct. 20, with closed session starting at 5:30 p.m. and open session at 7 p.m. at the District Office Board Room at 5601 West Mall.

 Baca's situation is not specifically listed on the night's agenda; however, there is an item in closed session titled "Public Employee Discipline / Dismissal Release."

The Atascadero News will continue to monitor this story.