LAKE WALES The Lakes Wales Charter School District has launched an investigation into the administration of Hillcrest Elementary School to determine whether recently removed Principal Jennifer Barrow created a hostile work environment for teachers and staff at the well-regarded school, which would constitute a violation of Florida administrative code.
“The Lake Wales Charter Schools HR Director notified the Interim Superintendent of multiple complaints by current and former employees regarding harassment and intimidation by the leadership,” Interim Superintendent and Chief Financial Officer Alricky Smith wrote in a letter to the district’s board. “These complaints have yielded allegations of an oppressive environment at the School under the leadership of Principal Jennifer Barrow.”