PEORIA, Ariz. — The principal of Peoria Unified School District’s Centennial High School has resigned following months of scrutiny over allegations that school leadership failed to properly report claims of sexual misconduct involving teachers and a student.
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Scott Hollabaugh, who served as principal for eight years, announced his resignation in a letter sent to Centennial families ahead of Memorial Day weekend. His departure comes as investigators continue examining whether administrators complied with Arizona’s mandatory reporting laws, which require educators and school officials to notify law enforcement of suspected abuse.
The controversy centers on allegations involving two former Centennial teachers accused of having sexual contact with a student. One of the teachers, identified as Haley Beck, was accused of grooming a student while employed at the school. Hollabaugh has faced accusations that he was aware of concerns with Beck and delayed reporting them to authorities.
At a recent district board meeting, community members criticized school leadership for what they described as a failure to act promptly after allegations surfaced.
Board member Heather Rooks read a statement from a student during the meeting, saying the student felt reporting concerns to school leadership would be ineffective.
“I didn’t say anything to our principal out of fear it would be for nothing,” the statement read. “It was our principal, Scott Hollabaugh, [who] failed to take action against these individuals when he was told about their actions.”
Another speaker, addressing the board on behalf of a victim’s family member who reported the allegations to police, accused coaches and school staff of remaining silent when concerns first emerged.
“Nothing was reported when it should have been reported right then and there,” the parent said during public comment. “For people to want to sweep this under the rug and not hold mandated reporters accountable is despicable.”
According to U.S. News & World Report, Centennial High is considered an above-average public high school, with a reported 96% graduation rate and a history of successful athletic programs. However, the school has spent nearly a year dealing with fallout from the allegations and the subsequent investigations.
The Peoria Police Department continues to investigate whether Centennial administrators violated mandatory reporting requirements. Meanwhile, the school district has stated that its own internal investigation found no policy violations.
In his resignation letter, obtained by 12News, Hollabaugh acknowledged the emotional toll the situation had on the community.
“I recognize the pain and sadness the community continues to experience related to the actions of two former employees,” Hollabaugh wrote.
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He added that recent events had prompted “significant reflection about healing and what Centennial needs most moving forward,” describing the transition as “an opportunity for renewal” as the school prepares for the next academic year.
Following news of his resignation, several parents and colleagues wrote messages of support that were later shared with 12News by the district. One parent encouraged Hollabaugh to “hold your head high,” while another blamed “the reckless actions of two individuals” for the turmoil affecting the school community. A colleague criticized what they described as “political theater and social media gossip.”
Hollabaugh said he plans to assist the district during the transition as officials begin searching for a new principal.
As of now, neither of the two former Centennial teachers investigated in connection with the allegations has been criminally charged. The police investigation remains ongoing.
You can read his full letter to Centennial High families here:
Dear Centennial Families,
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.
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.
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With gratitude,
Mr. Hollabaugh
Principal