PEORIA, AZ — Parents and students in Peoria continue to demand answers from the district after the principal of Centennial High School, Dr. Bill Sorensen, resigned in the middle of an internal investigation.
In a video posted on Centennial's Youtube page January 27, Dr. Sorensen told parents about the safety measures the school would take during an upcoming lock down drill. Three days later, the district placed him on paid administrative leave pending the outcome of an internal investigation.
But before that investigation was even over, Dr. Sorensen submitted a resignation letter, prompting students and parents to protest. They claim he was forced out.
"I've never heard anything bad about Dr. Sorensen, only good things," one student said.
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ABC15 pulled Dr. Sorensen's personnel file and found his 2018-2019 evaluation given to him by the Executive Director of Secondary Education. The evaluation states other principals found Sorensen's complaints to the superintendent during meetings, "disrespectful, counter productive and negative."
Documents also state he was told that "communicating dissatisfaction with the district office regarding policy or procedure isn't healthy." He was also told while they may not agree on things, they have to show support regardless.
Despite that, Dr. Sorensen was told his performance as principal was "effective" and that he was bound to have a good year moving forward, by focusing on next steps.
ABC15 asked the district if there was any connection between Sorensen posting the Youtube video and being put on leave three days later. The district says no.
In Sorensen's resignation letter, he says his ability to provide for his children in the short and long term was part of his decision.
