Principal Placed On Extended Leave After 'Incident' With Students

HOWARD COUNTY, MD — A high school principal has been placed on extended leave and will not be returning before school wraps up for the summer.

A video showing an "emotional interaction" between Atholton High School Principal Nick Novak and students in the school's cafeteria has gone viral.

Brian Bassett, director of communications and engagement for the Howard County Public School System, told WBAL that the school district is "aware of the video circulating that shows an emotional interaction between the principal of Atholton High School and a group of students in the cafeteria."

School officials reached out to student parents and guardians days after the incident, informing them that that Novak had been placed on extended leave. Bassett told WBAL that the incident happened earlier this month.

"We appreciate your continued support and partnership as we work together to maintain a positive, safe and productive learning environment," part of the message sent to parents and guardians said.

"It is extremely disappointing that the circumstances escalated to the point captured in the video," Bassett said in an email exchange with WBAL Monday night.

The message sent to parents and guardians by Jeffrey Fink, director of high schools with HCPSS, about Novak's extended leave shared that Christine Schmidt will serve as acting principal. She's been an assistant principal since 2021 and has been at Atholton High School since January.

"She brings valuable experience, strong leadership and a deep commitment to supporting our students, staff and families," the message stated.

While Schmidt serves as acting principal, Clovis Thomas will serve as substitute assistant principal.

Novak has been employed by HCPSS for more than 25 years, according to the school's website.