Shaler Area Middle School principal on leave

Parents of Shaler Middle School students received notification on Jan. 11 that principal Dr. Eric Stennett was going on immediate leave. The letter to parents gave no reason for Stennett’s unexpected leave, citing the “confidentiality regarding personnel matters” in the district.

“I don’t think we can offer interviews on the subject,” said Carrie Butler on behalf of the district, adding that she would provide updates “when new appointments are made.”

Butler is handling communications on a short-term basis for the district while communications specialist Bethany Baker is on leave.

Stennett, a Shaler Area graduate, started as middle school principal in 2018.

Stennett also held the position of middle school principal for the Hampton Township School District, where he also left in the summer of 2016 under similar circumstances, on leave with little explanation being provided by Stennett or the district, according to a 2016 Tribune-Review article.

Dr. Shannon Howard, the current middle school assistant principal, will act as interim principal, taking over the duties previously held by Stennett. An interim assistant principal will be named in the future to support Howard.

“We have full confidence in Dr. Howard’s leadership and will work collaboratively with her to assist as she transitions into this role,” Butler said.

School board member Tim Gapsky declined to comment on Stennett’s sudden departure, citing the district’s confidentiality policies when it comes to personnel issues.