PEORIA, Ariz. — The principal of Centennial High School recently announced his resignation from the position.
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Principal Scott Hollabaugh shared his resignation letter on Friday with the Centennial community.
“Today I shared with our teachers and staff that I’ve decided to step away from my role as principal of Centennial,” he wrote. “The eight years I’ve spent here have been among the best of my 23 years as a teacher and administrator.”
The Peoria Unified School District shared Hollabaugh’s letter and said they “are incredibly grateful for his service and dedication to our students.”
12News obtained a copy of the resignation letter. You can read it below.
Dear Centennial Community,
Today I shared with our teachers and staff that I’ve decided to step away from my role as principal of Centennial.
The eight years I’ve spent here have been among the best of my 23 years as a teacher and administrator. Centennial is a special place because of its people and their unwavering commitment to promoting student opportunity and excellence. I am deeply grateful to our students, families, teachers, staff, and coaches for the work we’ve done together to build and sustain a culture of achievement.
This morning, as we gathered with staff to celebrate the completion of another outstanding school year, we reflected on the very best of Centennial – the students, staff, and experiences that make this community special. We honored staff members beginning new chapters and recognized retirements that reflect a lifetime of commitment to education. We also reflected on a year filled with meaningful accomplishments in academics, arts, athletics, activities, leadership, and service. Those moments and the relationships behind them are what define Centennial, and they deserve to remain at the center of our story.
At the same time, I recognize the pain and sadness our community continues to experience related to the actions of two former employees. The events of recent weeks have also prompted significant reflection about healing and what Centennial needs most moving forward. The strength of Centennial has always been found in its people, its relationships, and the way this community continues to show up for one another during both celebrations and hardship. As we close this school year, our focus has remained on supporting students and staff, especially our seniors and the important celebrations surrounding graduation. With graduation now completed and preparations already underway for next year, this moment provides an opportunity for renewal.
Centennial’s future remains incredibly strong. More than 900 of our 2,100 students choose to attend Centennial through open enrollment, and overall enrollment continues to grow because families believe in this school, its staff, and its opportunities for students. In the coming weeks, I will support the district’s efforts to ensure a smooth transition that positions Centennial for continued success.
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I’ve appreciated the support of our district leaders and the many parents, students, staff, and community members who have reached out with encouragement and kindness. Thank you for allowing me the privilege of serving the Coyote community. Centennial will always hold a special place in my heart, and I know it will continue to thrive for years to come because of the partnership between its students, parents, and staff.
Hollabaugh’s resignation comes after two Centennial High School teachers were accused of sex crimes involving students. Angie Burlaka and Haley Beck were allegedly involved in inappropriate relationships with students.
The new president of the Peoria Unified School Board recently addressed how school leaders handled the sexual grooming and abuse claims.
Board President Jeffrey Tobey, a retired Phoenix Police Sergeant, said “… public claims that administrators violated mandatory reporting requirements and engaged in a cover-up are not supported by the evidence.”
Tobey blamed board members for amplifying controversy, stating “those on the Board who were privy to facts but continued to assert the claims are inflicting unnecessary harm on an already victimized community.”
That criticism was aimed at board members Heather Rooks and Janelle Bowles. In a rare move earlier this month, Tobey and two other board members voted Rooks out as board president. Rooks and Bowles dissented. The majority alleged Rooks undermined Peoria Police and the district with statements she made to the media and county attorney.
Rooks has maintained she acted in the best interests of student safety. The teachers accused of wrongdoing are no longer employed.
Prosecutors have not filed charges.
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