The principal of Springbrook High School in Silver Spring is on leave less than two weeks before the first day of school, following more than a year of unresolved staff complaints alleging bullying and retaliation.

Jewel Sanders, a director in MCPS's division of school leadership and improvement, notified Springbrook families in an Aug. 12 letter that Principal Stephanie Valentine is on leave and that Assistant Principal Nicole Brown will serve as acting principal, Bethesda Magazine reported.

The letter did not explain why Valentine was placed on leave. MCPS spokesperson Liliana López told Bethesda Magazine the district could share only what was in Sanders' letter, calling it a personnel matter.

MCPS students return Tuesday, Aug. 25.

Valentine previously served as a principal intern at Westland Middle School in Bethesda during the 2020–2021 school year, according to a July 2022 Board of Education appointment document. Her MCPS career spans nearly three decades, including roles as an art teacher, counselor and assistant principal at several county schools. She was formally appointed Springbrook's principal in July 2022.

Staff complaints sat for more than a year

In March 2025, a group of Springbrook staff members sent a letter to MCPS administrators and Board of Education members alleging Valentine had created "a toxic work environment that significantly affects the morale and well-being of the staff."

The letter detailed allegations of aggressive communication, retaliation against staff who raised concerns, abuse of power, inappropriate nicknames and a lack of clear communication. Staff also alleged Valentine verbally suspended students as a threat and then failed to document the suspensions.

Valentine acknowledged the complaints in a March 2025 email to staff, writing that "a number of important school climate concerns" had been brought to her attention. But the follow-up meetings did not come until a year later: Valentine's leadership team met March 25, 2026, to review concerns, and she held another session March 27, 2026, to discuss climate and culture, according to Bethesda Magazine's reporting.

Broader MCPS accountability questions

The situation adds to a pattern of accountability concerns within the district. Former Superintendent Monifa McKnight stepped down in February 2024 after an investigation found school leaders had tampered with a probe into sexual harassment and workplace bullying allegations against a middle school principal. Superintendent Thomas Taylor, who took over July 1, 2024, has said the district is still addressing those past failures, according to The Washington Post.

Sanders' letter said Brown's leadership would "ensure stability and support for students and staff." MCPS has not announced a timeline for Valentine's return or whether a permanent leadership change is under consideration.