OIC sought to replace beleaguered principal

The Talisay City government and the council committee on education has requested the schools division superintendent Elsa Suralta to temporarily assign an officer-in-charge for the San Isidro Elementary School as the investigation against its principal begins.

In a letter addressed to Suralta dated July 7, councilor Richel Bacaltos and city administrator Aurora Econg said that by designating an OIC in the school, no influence will be exerted on the investigation.

Last Monday, more than 600 students and some 200 parents called for the resignation of principal Velma Taboada whom they criticized for alleged misbehavior and unprofessional conduct.

The classes in all levels were suspended as parents barred their children from going to school. The letter-complaint of the parents cited several instances wherein Taboada allegedly displayed her arrogance and "dictator-like" attitude towards teachers and parents.

Taboada reportedly had the habit of verbally abusing her subordinates in full view of parents and innocent pupils. The complainants said she makes decisions without consulting them.

Separately, Suralta said she already designated the school's guidance counselor Angelita Badana as the officer-in-charge while Taboada goes on leave starting Monday.

In a separate interview with The Freeman, Taboada confirmed that she filed a five-day leave but not because of the pressures by the parents.

In fact, Taboada said she is not aware of the letter by Bacaltos and Econg. She said that she already told Suralta last Wednesday that she will be on leave starting Monday.