news-record.com

WINSTON-SALEM (MCT) — Meadowlark Elementary Principal Ann Aust has been suspended without pay and schools Superintendent Don Martin is asking that she be fired.

Martin said that his decision was based on an internal investigation and didn't involve students or "instructional issues."

School officials refused to say why they took action against Aust. A telephone number listed for Aust was busy.

"After the investigation, I no longer have confidence in her ability to lead the school," Martin said. "It has nothing to do with classroom activities or her relationships with students. There also is no criminal investigation. Beyond that, it is a personnel matter, and it would be inappropriate for me to comment further."

The school board will discuss Aust's dismissal at a future Board of Education meeting.

Aust was named principal of Meadowlark in 2003. The school system will name an interim principal to serve as principal until a replacement is hired.

The schools' staff and parents were notified by an automated phone call. School officials will meet with the staff and send a letter home Monday after the Thanksgiving break.