PHOENIX — Leadership changes have been announced at Cesar Chavez High School in Laveen just nine days after a student drowned while at a football camp in Show Low.
This is also happening less than two weeks before the school year begins.
According to an email sent out by Phoenix Union High School District, Shakira Simmons, who is currently the district's principal coach, will be serving as active principal until further notice.
The school’s assistant principal for student connectedness is also being replaced by another district personnel, Dr. Samantha Middagh, who currently serves as the district’s administrator in residence.
While the reason for the changes isn't confirmed, the shakeups are happening after the death of a football player. On July 17, 15-year-old Christopher Hampton was found dead after drowning at Show Low Lake. The high school football player was there with his team for the school’s football camp.
A spokesperson for PXU confirms to ABC15 that all of the football coaches that were on the trip to Show Low have also been placed on administrative leave, including head coach William Chipley.
During a meeting on Thursday, William 'Ducy' Burwell, Jr., was announced as a candidate for the Head Varsity Football Coach at the school.
Looking at the high school’s website, there isn’t a specific position listed as “assistant principal for student connectedness.” However, the only athletics administrator listed at Cesar Chavez High is the assistant principal of opportunities, which the district confirmed he is on leave.
Crystal Sosa, a mother of a student who knew Hampton and his family, said she’s upset that changes are happening so close to school and that they aren’t getting answers.
“This is hitting me really hard. I'm really emotional because this is not how I wanted his senior year,” she said of her son. “I will always be an advocate for my community and my school, but this breaks my heart. We lose Chris, we're losing coaches and now our principal, the one that's keeping this together, I'm very upset.”
PXU released the following statement:
This matter is currently under investigation. The Phoenix Union High School District does not comment on personnel-related cases.
The district continues to investigate the events that took place before, during, and immediately following the summer football camp that Cesar Chavez High School attended. It is protocol during such investigations to make immediate personnel changes. These changes are in place while staff are on administrative leave. The social and emotional well-being of our students, staff, and families continues to be the highest priority during this difficult time.
