NOVI, Mich. – The superintendent of the Novi Community School District says the principal of Deerfield Elementary was arrested Monday after she was suspected of being intoxicated in her car on school property.
Superintendent Dr. Steve Matthews says Kim Warren was found by police. She was released pending further review by the Novi city prosecutor.
"At no time did Ms. Warren enter the building, or come in contact with the children or staff of Deerfield Elementary while intoxicated," said Matthews. "This is an unfortunate set of circumstances and out of character for Ms. Warren. Up until this event Ms. Warren has served the Deerfield Community and our district well."
Warren has been placed on paid administrative leave. Mrs. Lisa Fenchel, longtime principal at Novi Meadows, will serve as interim principal at Deerfield Elementary.
Parents, coworkers shocked by principal's arrest
Tracy Adams is a parent with two sons at the Deerfield Elementay kindergarten. She expressed her shock.
"I certainly hope she wasn't drinking and driving during the day when she was supposed to be here with my children. It makes me feel like though I maybe I don't know her as well as I thought," Adams said.
Matthews said the situation strikes him personally.
"It makes me just very sad. I know Kim is a great person and I feel very sad for her. We had seen nothing in her work ethic or our experience with her that would lead us to this," Matthews said.
The superintendent added that the district planned to keep the children focused.
"We will have counselors and social workers at the building today if kids have questions. You know they are going to have questions why Ms. Warren's now here and we're going to be able to tell them she needs to take care of herself," said Matthews.
The matter is currently before the Oakland County Prosecutor's office. Charges could be filed next week.
Photo of Warren courtesy Novi Patch.