Gresham High School Principal Erika Beddoe Whitlock announced Wednesday that she is resigning as the school faces ongoing safety concerns.
“It is with both a heavy heart and hope for our school community that I submit my resignation as principal of Gresham High School,” Whitlock wrote in her letter to the school community. “After thoughtful consideration, it is in the best interest of both myself and the school community for me to step aside and allow for a new chapter of leadership.”
Threats and safety concerns have rippled across the country since school started again this fall. Oregon, and Gresham-Barlow School District specifically, was no exception.
A series of events have taken place in Gresham, as reported by The Oregonian/oregonlive.com, including an incident on Sept. 20, when police arrested a 17-year-old student for bringing a gun to campus after threatening a community member. Gresham High School enrolled nearly 1,600 students in 2022-23, the latest available state data.
“[The] events of the past several weeks, following the incident on September 20, have revealed a deep level of division within parts of our school community,” Whitlock wrote. “The situation has brought significant tension and emotional strain, both for me and for my family.”
Whitlock said that while she tried to lead the school through the difficulties, she concluded the issues “cannot be resolved with me as principal.”
Gresham-Barlow officials released a statement Wednesday as well, saying they respect and understand Whitlock’s decision.
“Over the past three years, Principal Whitlock has worked with care and professionalism to make strides in supporting students during her tenure,” Superintendent James Hiu said. “We will work closely with her during the transition period to ensure that the school — and its students, families, and staff — can heal and thrive.”
Whitlock’s last day with the school district will be Nov. 8.