Siwanoy Elementary School Principal Farid Johnson began a leave of absence on March 26, with Susan Kramer-Gilbert, who retired from the same post in 2020, installed as acting principal.

Siwanoy families were informed of Johnson’s absence and temporary replacement in an email from Superintendent Dr. Cheryl Champ on March 25.

A second email on April 3 acknowledged this was a “challenging time for the Siwanoy community,” but Champ said she was unable to provide details about the reason for or length of Johnson’s leave. “Out of respect for the privacy of all involved, we ask that you refrain from speculating about the nature of the absence,” wrote Champ in the email. “As you speak with your children, we ask that you please underscore the importance of withholding judgment and not spreading rumors, which can be hurtful and damaging to others.”

Champ said she was “unable to share additional information at this time and will provide updates as soon as [she is] able.”

According to a spokesman, the district cannot comment further on personnel leaves.

In February, Johnson led tours of Siwanoy as part of the district’s effort to sell voters on the $42.6 million bond proposition that would fund an addition to the school. (Three other capital spending propositions will also be on ballot during the school district election May 20.)

Last March, Johnson was selected as the 2024 New York State Elementary Principal of the Year by the School Administrators Association of New York State. Johnson came to the Pelham school district in the midst of the Covid pandemic after leading Stony Point Elementary School in the North Rockland Central School District.