The principal of Centennial High School has announced his resignation as the school community continues dealing with allegations of sexual misconduct involving two former teachers.
Scott Hollabaugh, who spent eight years at Centennial High School, informed families and staff Friday that he would be stepping away from his role following weeks of public scrutiny surrounding the investigations.
In his message to the school community, Hollabaugh acknowledged the impact the situation has had on students, staff and families, while describing the moment as an opportunity for healing and renewal.
The controversy centers on allegations against former teacher and soccer coach Haley Beck and former teacher Angela Burlaka. According to police and district records, Beck is accused of grooming a student and exchanging thousands of text messages with the teen, including allegations involving sexual encounters, alcohol and marijuana. The Peoria Unified governing board voted to terminate Beck, and police have recommended pandering charges.
Burlaka, a former COOP and Child Development teacher, is accused of sending sexually explicit videos and messages to the same student. Police are recommending aggravated luring of a minor charges, and Burlaka has surrendered her teaching license.
The investigations have led to criticism from some community members and school board officials, who have called for an independent review into how school leaders and the district handled the allegations and whether mandatory reporting laws were properly followed.
Police records indicate Hollabaugh told investigators he had previously received complaints from students and staff regarding Beck’s relationship with the student before the investigation became public. Authorities previously stated they had not identified any mandatory reporting violations, though the investigation remains ongoing.
Hollabaugh’s resignation marks another major leadership change within the Peoria Unified School District, which has also recently undergone shifts in interim district leadership and governing board leadership amid criticism over the district’s response.
The Maricopa County Attorney’s Office said the cases involving Beck and Burlaka remain under review.
