West Potomac principal put on leave

West Potomac High School (Fairfax County photo)

West Potomac principal Alex Case has been put on leave, according to a letter sent to parents and students today.

It’s unclear why Case is on leave, or when the leave officially started. Students at the school reported that Case was not there last week. An email sent to an FCPS spokesman on Friday was not returned until Monday afternoon, and only quoted from the letter sent to students and teachers. 

The letter states that assistant principal Jessica Statz will be the interim principal while Case is out.

Here’s the text of the letter sent by Terry Dade, FCPS Assistant Superintendent, Region 3:

Alexander Case

Dear West Potomac Community:

We appreciate your patience and support while Principal Alex Case has been out on leave. During this time, the Region 3 team has maintained communication and will continue to provide on-site support to the West Potomac administrative team and staff. Ms. Jessica Statz, assistant principal, has agreed to serve as the principal designee during Mr. Case’s absence. She will remain in this role until further notice. We commend the West Potomac staff for their continued focus on high quality instruction and dedication to our students. Thank you for your continued support of West Potomac High School.

Sincerely,
Terry J. Dade

Fairfax County Public Schools spokesman John Torre said Monday the school system would not be commenting further on the situation. Torre told The Washington Post that assistant principal Michelle Lytlle is also on leave. 

Case has been principal at West Potomac since Dec. 2013. 

Rumors that Case had been put on leave began spreading via social media Friday morning. According to one student at West Potomac, teachers had been warning students Friday and today to refrain from spreading rumors about the situation.

“I’d say the height of the buzz surrounding Case’s leave began on Friday, as rumors began to spread and students have been active on social media about it,” said the West Potomac senior. “During the weekend and this morning, every teacher I’ve talked to has warned their students of the implications of spreading rumors as there is no factual basis whatsoever at this point.”

The student said atmosphere at the school today was “business as usual, apart from WUSA9 and FOX 5’s news crew interviewing students after school.”