Flagler County Elementary Principal Resigns Following Controversial Assembly Targeting Black Students

After recent events surrounding a controversial assembly in a Flagler County elementary school located in Florida, the principal has tendered her resignation. The decision came a few weeks after an assembly specifically aimed at Black fourth- and fifth-grade pupils. This event was unique as it collectively advised these students to enhance their academic performance, as confirmed by the school district's statement.

In a recent press release, the district relayed, “Ms. Donelle Evensen, who had been serving as the principal of Bunnell Elementary School, officially communicated her decision to resign from her esteemed position to Superintendent LaShakia Moore.”

Ms. Evensen, along with a faculty member, was given administrative leave shortly after the assembly held on August 18, which exclusively invited African American students from two grade levels. The focal point of the assembly was a PowerPoint presentation outlining goals for the upcoming 2023-2024 academic year. One of the slides explicitly stated, “AA have underperform (sic) on standardized assessment for the last past 3 years.” This information was brought forward by Cheryl Massaro, the Chair of the Flagler County School Board, in a detailed email correspondence last month. She further clarified that the abbreviation "AA" was used to denote African Americans.

This particular assembly triggered a significant degree of discontent and concern amongst parents within the school district. The primary cause of their distress was the fact that only Black children were mandated to attend this gathering, irrespective of their individual academic standings.

In a press briefing held last month, Superintendent Moore extended her sincere apologies to the affected students and their guardians. She emphasized, “Accountability rests upon my shoulders to ascertain the underlying reasons behind such an occurrence. An exhaustive investigation is currently underway. We are dedicatedly progressing, and as more insights surface post this in-depth investigation, further steps will be decided upon.”

Lastly, the district’s statement from Thursday reinforced that the investigation surrounding the circumstances of the assembly at Bunnell Elementary is still in progress. The note elaborated, “As of today, the inquiry related to the recent assembly has yet to reach its conclusion. However, Superintendent Moore is hopeful that the process will be wrapped up by the end of the current week.”