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Debbie Phillips, who has served as principal at Hawthorne Elementary School since July of 2021, is currently on administrative leave.

Superintendent Terry Martin said he would not comment on the situation, calling it a "personnel matter."

Phillips could not be reached for comment by The New Era. The matter was not addressed at the School Board meeting Monday night.

A letter to the editor signed by 36 Hawthorne staff members and dated Dec. 6, expressed "concern regarding the recent removal of our administrator" and requesting her return "as soon as possible."

Phillips started the job as Ha...