When Lompoc High School students return from their winter break, they might be surprised by the absence of their principal, Alfonso Garagarza.
Garagarza, who has been principal of Lompoc High School for the last three years, was placed on paid administrative leave after a fellow staff member filed a complaint against him at the end of last year.
Superintendent Gregory Kampf received the report on Garagarza that noted several areas of concern. Upon further review of the report, Kampf said, he determined that the concerns needed to be investigated further.
The reports have been handed over to the school district Board of Education, which will determine whether Garagarza can return to work at its Jan. 24 meeting.
Prior to that meeting, as dictated by his due process rights as a teacher, Garagarza will be allowed to respond to Kampf regarding the allegations against him. In the meantime, Garagarza will remain on paid leave as district protocol demands.
“I feel that it’s important for the people to know that the allegations do not involve students,” Kampf said.
Although Kampf is unable to reveal the full details of the situation, he did want to make clear that the allegations are being investigated thoroughly and carefully so that a reasonable solution can be reached. An outside law firm from Sacramento is conducting the investigation.
Garagarza came to Lompoc High School in 2009 with four years of administrative experience. He spent the previous two years serving as vice principal of Santa Paula High School in Ventura.
During Garagarza’s absence, Lompoc High School assistant principals Paul Bommersbach and Ed Albright will share administrative duties at the school.
This article appears in Jan 19-26, 2012.
