The Santa Barbara Unified School District placed the Washington Elementary principal on leave for eight days following a student election where her child was chosen president after coming in as the runner-up based on votes.
The Santa Barbara Unified School District placed the Washington Elementary principal on leave for eight days following a student election where her child was chosen president after coming in as the runner-up based on votes. Credit: Evelyn Spence / Noozhawk photo

The original results of the Washington Elementary School student election have been “reinstated,” district spokespeople announced in an email to students’ parents and guardians this week.

Students and teachers were also informed on Monday during a school assembly.

The school’s principal, Arielle Curry, was placed on leave for eight days in late September and early October after her child was chosen as president in the student election despite being the runner-up.

Curry told families that post-election “deliberations” led by her “resulted in overriding the outcome of two positions: the president and one additional position.”

She did not specify why the runner-ups were chosen rather than the top vote-getters.

Curry returned on Oct. 9 to the school located on Santa Barbara’s Mesa.

District spokespeople said in a message this week that their focus remains on “supporting students, respecting their privacy and ensuring Washington continues to be a welcoming and caring place for everyone.

“We have provided support to students directly involved and will continue making resources available to students and staff who need them. We appreciate your partnership in respecting student privacy and helping our school community move forward with kindness and care.”

— Noozhawk South County editor Evelyn Spence can be reached at espence@noozhawk.com. Follow Noozhawk on Twitter: @noozhawk, @NoozhawkNews and @NoozhawkBiz. Connect with Noozhawk on Facebook.