Former Campbell Park Elementary School Principal Christine Hoffman may be gone, but the conversation about the email scandal she was at the heart of continued Tuesday night in separate meetings involving residents, the school board, and the NAACP.

  • Hoffman asked for, granted transfer Monday
  • Superintendent told board members incident was "a learning lesson"
  • NAACP calling for Hoffman to resign or retire

School Superintendent Mike Grego told board members and residents at a meeting of the school board that his approach with the Campbell Park email scandal was to "act swiftly and listen carefully." He called upon everyone present to view the incident as a learning lesson.

He also wanted to emphasize how important their racial sensitivity training is for administrators.

“This incident certainly points to the fact we’re not done yet and we still need to continue on with that work,” he said. “I also believe that it provides this entire community an opportunity to learn about cultural sensitivity too. Not just those in education but really in all aspects of life. “
 
Grego did confirm at the meeting that when he met with Hoffman Monday, they both agreed she should be transferred to district offices while the investigation into the emails was ongoing.
 
Other board members gave their opinions on the matter, too.

“I would want our community to have the confidence that we’re not taking anything lightly,” said District 2 School Board Member Terry Krassner.

NAACP: Hoffman should resign or retire

Meanwhile, a similar conversation took place across town at the NAACP meeting near Campbell Park Elementary School. NAACP president Maria Scruggs met with members of their organization, parents and other members of the community about the email.

Scruggs said this email sent a clear message.

“Through Principal Christine Hoffman’s actions she clearly demonstrated that as the leader of Campbell Park Elementary she lacked what it means for an administration to be colorblind and not favor one class or race of student over another,” Scruggs said.
 
Parent Arlene Johnson attended the NAACP meeting about Hoffman, but she points the finger back at school district leaders.

“At the end of the day, we need to hold the school board accountable," said Johnson. "All seven members, as well as the area superintendent, the deputy superintendent of Pinellas County."

Scruggs said she respects the district's process, which includes a full investigation, but the NAACP wants Hoffman to either resign or retire. School leaders said today Hoffman would get due process.