Alafia principal to leave school

TAMPA -- After months of complaints from parents, Alafia Elementary principal Ellyn Smith is expected to step down from her post at the school.

On Tuesday afternoon Smith told school faculty members of her request not to be at Alafia next semester, said her husband, Ashley Smith.

He plans to address the Hillsborough County School Board at tonight's meeting to defend his wife, whom he says has been maligned by parents.

"The kids have been coming up to her crying, 'How can these people say these mean things about my principal?' " Mr. Smith said in a prepared statement. "It's not fair to the kids."

Plans for the near future include Smith working within the school district, though it's not clear in what capacity.

Frustrated parents have criticized Smith for months, citing high teacher turnover, low morale and concerns about student safety and behavior, among other problems. A recent school assessment cited a "very stressful work environment."

Parents have bombarded superintendent MaryEllen Elia with e-mails, phone calls and even started a blog. More than 270 residents have signed a petition calling for Smith's removal.

"We're excited and relieved," said Alafia parent Amy Dreyer.

Dreyer was on her way to the board meeting with several other parents Tuesday evening. Upon hearing the news, the group began to sing in celebration.

"Hopefully she won't be a principal somewhere else," Dreyer said. "These are traits no educator should have with children. So I'm glad that she's no longer going to be a principal with Alafia anymore."

Smith has been an educator for more than 30 years. She spent seven years as principal at Seffner Elementary before heading to Alafia in 2005.

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Chandra Broadwater and Letitia Stein, Times Staff Writers

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