Canada’s only public Africentric school’s principal, Thando Hyman, is on leave while the Board investigates an unspecified complaint — replacing her with a retired principal who is white.

Hyman has been replaced by George Brown Jr., a former principal at Crestview Public School near Don Mills Rd. and Finch Ave. Board spokesperson John Caldarone called Brown “an experienced administrator, which is what we look for in a replacement.” Education director Chris Spence said the board chose Brown because he had filled in at the school before at the request of Hyman when another black principal had not been available.

“The principal (Thando Hyman) is absent for personal and private reasons,” Spence said. “School council reps and key members of the community were informed verbally by the superintendent. This approach was taken to protect the privacy of those involved.”

Trustee James Pasternak, who represents the Downsview neighbourhood where the unique program started last year, said the board is obliged to follow up on allegations made about staff “whether founded or unfounded, and it’s protocol to place the staff member on home assignment for a short period pending that review.” He said he cannot describe the complaint because it would violate employee confidentiality, but noted police are not involved.

“Look, Thando is a very strong principal and I remain supportive and confident,” said Pasternak, long a champion of the program that opened from kindergarten to Grade 5 in an unused wing of Sheppard Public School at Keele St. The school added Grade 6 this year and plans to add a grade each year up to Grade 8.

Spence said he can’t speculate when Hyman will return, “but we will do all we can to expedite the process.”

Compiled with files from The Toronto Star