News Summary
Jamie Brooks, principal of Ardrey Kell High School, has been suspended with pay under unclear circumstances. The suspension follows incidents raising safety concerns at the school and comes amid complaints from parents regarding communication issues from the district. Brooks, who has been with Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools for over three decades, was previously considered stable in her position. Assistant Principal Tomica Wright has been appointed to lead during this period of uncertainty, as parents advocate for more transparency from school officials.
Charlotte, N.C. – Jamie Brooks, the principal of Ardrey Kell High School, has been suspended with pay since May 2, 2025, under circumstances that remain unclear. Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools (CMS) has stated that the matter is of a personnel nature and has declined to provide further details regarding the reasons behind Brooks’ suspension.
Brooks has been a part of the CMS system for over three decades, beginning her educational career as a language arts teacher in 1994. Her previous positions include leading Community House Middle School from 2008 to 2020, as well as serving as an assistant principal at both Ardrey Kell and Mint Hill Middle School. She took on the role of principal at Ardrey Kell High School in 2020 and is currently compensated with an annual salary of $189,915.02, a figure established under a four-year contract that extends through 2026.
Prior to her suspension, Brooks had no public disciplinary issues on record. During her absence, CMS appointed Assistant Principal Tomica Wright to manage the school, aiming to ensure a semblance of continuity in leadership amid ongoing uncertainty.
The suspension comes in the wake of several incidents at Ardrey Kell High School, notably a controversial altercation on March 7 involving a female student, who alleged that she was assaulted in a situation that sparked claims of a hate crime. However, these claims were not substantiated by local law enforcement. This incident, alongside an earlier event that involved shooting threats targeting multiple schools, including Ardrey Kell, has contributed to heightened concerns among parents and community members regarding school safety and communication practices.
Concerns over communication delays from CMS have led to frustration among parents. These concerns have intensified with the emergence of an online petition advocating for Brooks and calling for increased transparency from district officials regarding administrative matters. Parents have expressed their anxiety about the potential impact of Brooks’ absence on the school’s environment and leadership stability during these tumultuous times.
The history of administrative challenges at Ardrey Kell includes the suspension of a former principal, David Switzer, in June 2020 due to allegations of misconduct. This history has further fueled parental worries regarding the stability of the school’s leadership and the handling of critical incidents. Following the previous threats and the delay in notifying parents, many community members are seeking reassurances that their concerns are being taken seriously.
In conclusion, while Jamie Brooks’ future at Ardrey Kell High School remains uncertain, the administration’s focus is presently on maintaining continuity through the leadership of Assistant Principal Tomica Wright. As additional information regarding the circumstances surrounding Brooks’ suspension becomes available, the community is likely to remain attentive and engaged.
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Additional Resources
- WCNC
- QC News
- Charlotte Observer
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Ardrey Kell High School
- Google News: Ardrey Kell High School principal suspended
