Louisiana High School Principal Seeks Leave After Controversial Student Punishment

In a recent turn of events, a high school principal in Louisiana has requested a leave of absence following a series of actions that stirred controversy. The principal, Jason St. Pierre of Walker High School, took disciplinary measures against a 17-year-old student, Kaylee Timonet, in response to a social media video depicting her dancing at an after-party following the school’s homecoming on September 30.

St. Pierre’s actions involved removing Kaylee from her position in the school’s student government association and revoking a scholarship recommendation, as reported by FOX 8.

The Homecoming Video Incident

The incident unfolded after a video of Kaylee Timonet dancing was posted on social media following the school’s homecoming celebration. Principal Jason St. Pierre, in response to the video, took actions against the student. These actions included removing her from her student government role and withdrawing a scholarship recommendation.

A Mother’s Perspective

Kaylee’s mother, Rachel Timonet, who was present at the after-party, defended her daughter’s actions. She asserted that she saw nothing inappropriate about the dance and emphasized her willingness to correct her child if she believed it was necessary.

“I was physically there watching her do it. If I would have thought it was inappropriate in any way, I would have corrected my child,” she stated.

Principal’s Apology and Reinstatement

Jason St. Pierre later posted an apology to the Timonet family on the school’s Facebook page. He expressed hope for a meeting with Kaylee’s mother to resolve the situation and reinstate Kaylee’s position within the student government and her scholarship endorsement.

“As principal of Walker High School, I am faced daily with many difficult decisions for the interest of our students and employees that are never taken lightly. Please know that I always strive to place our students first in every decision. It is for that reason that I have taken this corrective action,” he added.

Principal Requests Leave

Livingston Parish Public Schools Superintendent Joe Murphy revealed that Principal St. Pierre has requested a leave of absence for the remainder of the academic year.

“Walker High School Principal Jason St. Pierre has requested to take leave for the remainder of the 2023-2024 school year. The district office is awaiting his paperwork to process his request,” Murphy stated.

Apology Comes Too Late

Kaylee’s mother, Rachel Timonet, voiced her dissatisfaction with the situation, noting that the scholarship deadline had passed. She expressed her belief that the damage to her daughter’s academic future had already been done and that an apology, now being enforced, came too late.

The incident has stirred debates surrounding students’ social media presence, school discipline, and the consequences of such actions.