Schools

Controversial Seattle principal no longer a candidate at Tacoma elementary school

A controversial principal candidate for Bryant Montessori has been withdrawn by Tacoma Public Schools Superintendent-elect Carla Santorno.

The district announced Wednesday that Gregory Smith of Lowell Elementary School in Seattle would become Bryant's next principal later this month, and was met with a storm of controversy regarding an investigation into personnel conflicts at King's current school. The Seattle Times has more about the special investigation of Lowell Elementary School.

King's appointment was set to be confirmed at Thursday evening's school board meeting.

Santorno sent a letter to the Bryant community Thursday, explaining her reasons for withdrawing Gregory King's candidacy.

To Bryant Montessori Community,

I have received a lot of commentary and information from many of you about the announcement earlier in the week that we intended to hire Gregory King as the nexty principal at Bryant.

I am withdrawing the recommendation for Mr. King's appointment from this evening's school Board agenda.

Signing day at Bellarmine

Signing day at Bellarmine

Tacoma KOMO has a new cast of youth correspondents - the enterprising staff of Bellarmine Preparatory School's newspaper, The Lion. These 15 high school students and their advisor, teacher Jeanne Hanigan, will be covering a variety of topics for Tacoma KOMO through our Community Blogger program. If you are interested in becoming a Community Blogger, introduce yourself here.

Congratulations to seniors Kurtis Pederson, Stephanie Hamilton, Kelsey Witker, Kelly Beck and Michael Rector who will play athletics at their colleges.

Today, Feb. 1, was Signing Day in the St. Ignatius Center Foyer at Bellarmine Prep.

The first four will continue their soccer careers. Perhaps Rector's choice was the only true surprise. He chose Stanford football over UW.

Correctional officer surrenders after lockdowns, standoff

Correctional officer surrenders after lockdowns, standoff

Police have taken into custody a man accused of triggering lockdowns at a school and a prison, as well as a tense standoff on Monday.

Department of Corrections spokesman Chad Lewis said trouble began shortly after a correctional officer at the Washington Corrections Center in Shelton finished his graveyard shift and headed home at approximately 6 a.m.

Later that morning, a family member of the officer called the prison and said the man had been involved in a fight at home, and may be headed to the prison.

The prison was immediately placed under lockdown, and armed guards were placed at its entrances as a precaution.

Meantime, a mother arrived at Skyline Elementary School to drop off her child. After seeing the scratches on the woman, school officials called police to report a domestic violence case, according to Tacoma police spokesman Det. Mark Fulghum. The school was placed under lockdown as a precaution.

Police came across the sought man's vehicle while patrolling the neighborhood. But the man refused to pull over as instructed by police, prompting a pursuit.

UW says back to business by Saturday, students and all

All three UW campuses will be back up and running normal operations tomorrow, Saturday, January 21st.

According to UW's Facebook Page, all campus libraries will also be back to their regular schedule.

Perfect timing!

Another snow day

Public and private schools in the area have called another snow day.

We’re tracking the full list live at KOMOnews.com.

Check there before you try to trek in to school because it is likely you won’t need to.

No school Friday for Tacoma students

Tacoma Public Schools have cancelled school for Friday, Jan. 20.

"Schools are closed Friday, January 20, 2012. All activities are canceled. Twelve-month employees report to work or take appropriate leave," says the district.

Keep checking KOMONews.com for up-to-date school closure and delay information.

Tracking your school closures

Nearly all schools in Western Washington are either closed or significantly delayed this morning due to dangerous conditions.

We’re tracking the latest school closures live on KOMOnews.com.