School Board Removes Olympic Principal

By Juliet McShannon
Staff Writer

March 12 -- Dr. Susanne Toyryla, who publicly opposed plans to turn Olympic High into a charter school, was released from her post as principal after a 6 to 1 vote by the School Board Thursday night.

Toyryla will either be reassigned to another school or assume a new position in the district office.

The vote came nearly two months after Toyryla publicly confronted Superintendent John Deasy over his plan to explore closing down the alternative continuing school and reopening it as a charter school. (FULL STORY)

Since the board’s decision was made in closed session because it concerned a personnel matter, board members could not discuss the reasons for Toyryla’s removal from Olympic, which has a history of accepting students who have not succeeded elsewhere.

"I am sad that such a wonderful team that works for students with no other political agenda, is being broken up,” Toyryla, who was not present at the meeting, told The Lookout afterwards.

“I wish no one ill will, and I still want what I have always wanted, what is best for my students," she said.

Supporters of Toyryla -- including teachers, students and parents -- expressed remorse at the board's decision.

"She is an affable presence on campus,” said Vivian Alcalay, who teaches art, yoga, and American popular music at the school. “She communicates so effectively with the staff and students alike. It is a shame."

Rachell Cleaves, the parent of an Olympic student, echoed Alcalay's sentiment.

"Doctor Toyryla guided my daughter and got her back on track, showing her what education is about,” Cleaves said. “She's a strong force at that school. The school needs guidance, and she is a guiding factor."

After hearing public comment, Board member Julia Brownley asked Board President Jose Escarce for permission to address the public.

"I want to remind anyone that is listening that we are in the unfortunate position of not being able to have a discussion on this because it is a personnel issue,” Brownley said. “So regretfully we can't speak.”

The Board then voted to release and reassign Dr Toyryla at the end of the 2003-4 school year.

Board member Maria Leon-Vazquez was the only member who voted for Dr Toyryla to remain as principal at Olympic High.