Community Reacts to Novi Principal's Arrest

Deerfield Elementary School Principal Kim Warren has been placed on paid administrative leave pending resolution on her employment status. Lisa Fenchel, longtime principal at Novi Meadows, will serve as interim principal at the school, effective immediately.

Warren was arrested by Novi police Monday under suspicion of being intoxicated on school grounds, according to a press release from the Novi Community School District.

"What a shame, if she had been a sports figure, TV or movie celebrity, UAW member or a politician she'd of gotten suspended, go to rehab and given at least a half of dozen chances before losing her job," said Patch user Greg B in the comments on the story of her arrest.

Novi Superintendent Dr. Steve Matthews said Warren was at school Monday morning and then went out to lunch. Police found Warren in her car on school property and took her into custody at 2:10 p.m., according to the press release.

Patch user under the alias Spartan25 said these actions are out of character for Warren.

"There have been many positive testimonials by the parents of her students and her years of service speak for themselves. While I don't excuse her poor choice, I don't think this lapse in judgement should constitute ending her career," Spartan25 wrote. 

Warren has been principal of Deerfield since the 2011-12 school year. Previously, she spent seven years as an elementary principal in South Lyon, five years as an elementary principal in Livonia and two years as an elementary principal in Wayne-Westland.

Debbie Wardell joined the conversation on Novi Patch's Facebook page.

"I'm a little disturbed that people seem to be excusing this. I bet if you had to deal with patients as a nurse or doctor it would make you want a drink too but I doubt you'd be making excuses for them showing up to work drunk. Teachers and administrators are professionals that should be judged in the same light as any other professional," she said.

Matthews said he met with Warren on Tuesday to discuss the incident. She offered some context for the incident, including some "difficult times," but told him there is no justifying her behavior, he said.

"The whole story does not add up," said Karen Meister Cornellier on Facebook. "It sounds like she is a person with a problem and deserves some compassion. Novi is full of fantastic teachers and administrators and we give them the benefit of the doubt."

"I hope whatever caused her to do this gets better for her," said Aaron Klenke on Facebook.

What do you think about Kim Warren's arrest and placement on administrative leave? Tell us in the comments.