News Summary
Ardrey Kell High School’s principal Jamie Brooks has been suspended with pay, igniting concerns among parents regarding transparency from the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools. The reasons for her suspension remain unclear, leading to mixed reactions from the school community. Brooks, who has served since 2020, faces scrutiny amidst previous administrative issues and a recent petition for support from parents. The acting principal has been appointed, and parents plan to voice their concerns at an upcoming school board meeting.
Charlotte – Ardrey Kell High School principal Jamie Brooks was suspended with pay on May 2, 2025, according to records from Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools (CMS). The school district informed parents that Brooks would be “away for a period” and reassured them that her absence would not impact daily operations at the school.
In Brooks’ absence, assistant principal Tomica Wright has been appointed as the acting head administrator. The reason for Brooks’ suspension has not been made public, leaving many parents frustrated by the lack of transparency from the district regarding the situation.
Since her appointment in 2020, Brooks has been a prominent figure at Ardrey Kell High School, bringing over 30 years of experience within the CMS district. A polarizing figure, some parents have expressed support for Brooks, highlighting her commitment to students and advocacy efforts. Conversely, other parents advocate for the suspension, citing past concerns with her leadership style.
The school community has recently faced administrative upheaval. Notably, an incident at the school involving a fight between a female Muslim student and a male Black student sparked investigations by the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department and the FBI. Ultimately, no criminal charges were filed. Additionally, Brooks was named in a 2024 lawsuit concerning a student’s injury during an allegedly unsupervised track practice; however, that case was dismissed in March 2025.
The context of Brooks’ suspension is compounded by the memory of previous principal David Switzer, who was suspended in 2020 due to allegations of misconduct and later reassigned. This history has led parents to question the stability of school leadership and the effectiveness of communication from CMS, particularly during critical incidents.
Brooks holds a current contract with CMS that runs through 2026, with an annual salary of approximately $189,915. In light of the recent suspension, a petition has been initiated by parents seeking to express support for Brooks, criticizing CMS for its delayed communication regarding her status. This petition exemplifies the increasing demand for transparency in the school’s administrative decisions.
In an effort to seek answers, several parents plan to attend the upcoming school board meeting in June to demand clarity about Brooks’ suspension and the district’s ongoing communication practices. Concerns over communication have been heightened in light of previous crises at the school, such as threats of violence earlier in the year.
Brooks began her career with CMS as a middle school language arts teacher in 1994. Over her years of service, she has held various positions within the school district, progressively moving up the ranks before becoming principal. Her tenure at Ardrey Kell High School has been marked by a staunch commitment to educational excellence and active engagement with the student body.
As the situation unfolds, the Ardrey Kell High School community remains divided, with strong opinions surfacing both in favor of and against Brooks’ leadership. The demand for transparency and effective communication from CMS remains a focal point for many parents as they navigate the uncertainty surrounding the school’s administration.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
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Charlotte Community Outraged Over Assault on Muslim Student
Additional Resources
- WSOC TV
- WCNC
- WCCB Charlotte
- Charlotte Observer
- QC News
- Wikipedia: Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools
- Google Search: Ardrey Kell High School
- Google Scholar: school administration
- Encyclopedia Britannica: education
- Google News: Ardrey Kell High School principal suspension
