Staff, most students walk out of southern Colorado high school amid investigation

Most students were not in class at Pine Creek High School Friday after a walkout participants say was in support of the school’s principal.

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (KKTV) – Most students were not in class at Pine Creek High School Friday after a walkout participants say was in support of the school’s principal.

Academy District 20 says one third of teachers and two thirds of students either called out or walked out of the school on the snowy Friday morning.

Teachers who took part in the walkout say they did so in support of their principal, Tracie Cormaney, amid a pending investigation.

“She is dedicated like no other educator I have ever worked with. She truly inspires,” said Pam Krzeczowski, Cormaney’s admin assistant. “What has happened to her by D20 administration is bordering on a witch-hunt. It’s bordering on defamation of character.”

Krzeczowski says the principal has been on leave for more than two weeks because D20 is investigating an alleged financial incentives program for teachers the principal was allegedly running.

“… having prizes as teacher incentive to encourage retention in a day where it’s hard to keep educators and retain educators,” Krzeczowski said, explaining she could not give more clear details because she was interviewed in the investigation.

D20 confirms Pine Creek’s principal is on leave and said an investigation is ongoing. The district sent the below statement to parents and guardians in light of Friday’s walkout:

Dear PCHS Parents/Guardians,

Thank you for your patience and understanding as we navigate today’s staff shortages that may have impacted your student’s day.

It is true 1/3 of our staff were out, as well as 2/3 of our students. Even with these absences it was business as usual. All classrooms were covered, and students were attending class as normal. There were no students in large groups.

We understand events like today’s bring about many questions. These situations also create rumors. Personnel matters are confidential, and it is inappropriate for the district to comment.

We would therefore like to clarify some points that lead up to today’s events.

Principal Ms. Tracie Cormaney is currently out of the building on leave.

This matter is a priority for the district.

When dealing with personnel matters, the district conducts a thorough investigation. Doing so takes time.

The district does not have an estimated timeline for the completion of this situation.

During the entirety of Ms. Cormaney’s absence, five dedicated administrators, including Assistant Superintendent of Planning & Engagement Dr. Jim Smith, will be on-site to ensure continuity of learning and address any immediate needs that may arise.

We appreciate your patience and understanding.

Warm regards,

Jinger Haberer, Superintendent