Update:
Austin ISD officials say the Principal of Andrews Elementary, Gabriella Soto, will not be returning to her post. This comes on the heels of community protests alleging Soto had a clear and open bias against immigrants and restricted some from PTA positions because they may have been illegal immigrants. District officials say they will continue to review and address the concerns that have been brought forward regarding Andrews Elementary.
Letter from AISD:
April 10, 2019
Dear Andrews Staff and Parents,
It is very important to us as a District that we be transparent and provide information to you in a timely fashion. With that in mind, I wish to inform you that your current principal, Gabriela Soto, will not be returning. Please be assured that we will continue to review and address the concerns that have been brought forward regarding Andrews Elementary.
Ms. Diana Vallejo will continue to serve as the Andrews Elementary substitute principal. We will work with Ms. Vallejo to continue to create the safest possible environment for Andrews students, families, and employees, providing them with the foundation needed to learn, thrive, seek assistance and information, and reach each child’s potential in an education-focused environment, free of insecurity and fear, regardless of immigration status. We are committed to working collaboratively to restore trust.
More information will soon follow regarding leadership next steps.
Sincerely,
Betty Jenkins
Executive Director
Original:
East Austin Activists say it’s time for the principal of Andrews Elementary school to go.
A number of community members and school parents are calling for Austin ISDs leadership to remove Principal Gabriella Soto from the campus.
They claim she’s been a bully for more than a year. Asked parents about their immigrations status and replaced PTA members she called illegal immigrants with new members.
Activist Jim Harrington said they found a picture of the new board with Red Make America Great Again hats on, and beleives that signals more than trying to Make Anderson elementary Great Again.
Reading a letter from Anonymous school staffers and community members, Harrington and others say Principal Soto, whose been on leave since spring break, should not return. They also demand AISD investigate the incidents in question, make an apology to the school’s parents, and that all parents, especially immigrants be given more campus support.
Ana-Maria Rea is with immigrant rights group Raices, she said they stand with the community who’s rallied against the principal. “Nobody should fear any kind of involvement in their children’s education, because of someone who has taken an unacceptable action amongst a particular demographic of people, in this case immigrants.”
(Photo:Newsradio KLBJ 590am/99.7fm/ Jon Cooley)
