Hearing for demoted Highlands principal called off as sides try to settle

A hearing for a Highlands School District principal challenging her demotion to classroom teacher did not continue Wednesday as planned.

After a nearly an hour delay, hearing officer Paul Giuffre said the public proceeding for Samantha Perlik was suspended because the sides would be working toward a possible resolution. They will be continuing talks in private, as permitted by law.

Perlik had been transferred from principal of the Early Childhood Center back to kindergarten teacher in September 2020. The school board at the same time approved a statement of charges against Perlik alleging she was not fulfilling the obligations and duties of her position, and had failed to show improvement under a growth plan.

Perlik’s attorney, Charlie Steele, said Superintendent Monique Mawhinney targeted Perlik, who had been considered a successful teacher and administrator until Mawhinney arrived at Highlands and became superintendent.

Perlik was seeking restoration to her position as principal and back pay, Steele said.

Perlik chose for personnel hearings on her demotion to be held in public. The proceedings began Aug. 30. The hearing was moved from the Highlands High School library to the auditorium to accommodate the crowd.

Mawhinney testified under direction examination by district Solicitor Trish Andrews for four hours before the first hearing was adjourned. Mawhinney had been expected to continue testifying Wednesday before the hearing, again in the auditorium, was called off.

The decision to try to settle was a mutual one, Steele said.

Giuffre said public notice would be made if the case is resolved.

Steele also said the public would know the details of any settlement reached.

“The settlement will be fully revealed to the public,” he said. “We have no gag order.”