The principal of Northwest High School in Germantown is on leave, according to a letter Montgomery County Public Schools sent to the school community, but the district hasn’t said why.
Principal Scott Smith has been on leave since Wednesday, the letter said. It was sent by the district’s Division of School Leadership and Improvement. Assistant Principal Danielle Abdelsalam is serving as acting principal.
The letter did not give a reason for the leave or say how long it would last. It said the district would share more about the length of Smith’s absence when more information is available.
MCPS spokesperson Liliana López told Montgomery Community Media she could not discuss the reason behind the leave, what type of leave is and its duration. “I cannot discuss any personnel issues regarding any of our staff.”
FOX 5 DC reported that on Wednesday morning, news crews outside the school saw officials loading boxes of documents into vans. The station said it was unclear what the documents were or where they were taken. The district has not said whether the removal is connected to Smith’s leave.
This announcement comes after Northwest High School decided not to hold their Homecoming dance due to insufficient ticket sales before the deadline. That’s according to the last newsletter Principal Smith sent to students, staff and parents on Sun. Oct. 11. “Contrary to speculation shared online, the cancellation was not related to other circumstances. Families who purchased tickets will receive a refund.”
According to school board documents, Smith was appointed principal of Northwest in 2021. He previously served as an assistant principal and principal intern at Seneca Valley High School in Germantown. He worked as an assistant principal at Clarksburg High School and Roberto W. Clemente Middle School.
This is a developing story, MCM News will update when more information becomes available.
