Aberdeen High School Principal Sherri Northington informed her staff last week that she would not return as principal next year, according to a letter sent to parents by school Superintendent Alicia Henderson on Thursday.

The school is accepting applications for the position and Henderson hopes to have a new principal selected by early this spring, the letter said. It also seems to indicate that Northington will stay on with the district in another role.

In the letter, the superintendent said she’ll meet with AHS staff and students to get their input on the qualities and qualifications they’d like to see in their next principal. A similar meeting with parents is scheduled for 5:30 p.m. on Jan. 29 in the community room at the high school.

“Although Ms. Northington’s new role has not been finalized, I look forward to her continued presence in our district as a leader who cares about our students,” Henderson’s letter said.

“Please rest assured that my leadership team is putting a strong plan in place for a smooth transition without disruption to the learning environment,” she added.

Last month Northington was criticized by students from the high school’s Gay Straight Alliance group who said she didn’t step in to stop other students from harassing them when they staged a protest at school over how LGBTQ issues are dealt with.

The district has said it is looking into the issue.

Calls and emails sent to the superintendent’s office on Monday morning were not returned as of 3 p.m.