South School Principal Taking Medical Leave, Amid Labor Strife

ANDOVER, MA — South Elementary School Principal Tracey Crowley is going on an extended medical leave of absence, Superintendent Sheldon Berman said in a message to the South School community. Former South School Principal Colleen McBride will serve as interim principal, beginning Jan. 13. Berman gave no other details on the absence, including how long it is expected to last.

"Ms. McBride is very familiar with the school and our curriculum," Berman wrote. "I'm confident that she will be able to serve the students, faculty and the South School community. I will be in communication with any further updates."

The absence comes during a period of turmoil at the school, with an ongoing hostile workforce investigation that the Andover teachers union says is an attempt to chill union participation. Crowley is at the center of the union's case; the union says the investigation followed union activity based on teacher concerns about their treatment by the principal. The district says the investigation has nothing to do with union activity, and concerns activity by union members against other union members.

A judge ruled at the end of December that the investigation could continue, but said, "The allegations presented by the Union are both serious and troubling."

There are multiple cases, related to the same issue, open before the state's Department of Labor Relations.

Christopher Huffaker can be reached at 412-265-8353 or chris.huffaker@patch.com.