School board silent on why principal at Vestavia Hills Elementary Cahaba Heights has not been in school for 2 months

VESTAVIA HILLS, Ala. ( WIAT ) — During his monthly report to the school board Monday afternoon, Vestavia Hills Schools Superintendent Todd Freeman’s biggest topic was about increasing the number of parking spaces at Vestavia Hills High School.

But that wasn’t what many in Vestavia Hills wanted to hear about.

Over the weekend, a TikTok video was uploaded by Lauren Pill discussing how Lauren Dressback , principal at Vestavia Hills Elementary Cahaba Heights, had been on leave from the school since February, with no answers as to why she was on leave or when she was coming back. A review by CBS 42 could not find any motions made by the board in the last couple of months regarding putting her on leave or the reason behind it.

Dressback, who had been named principal at the school in June 2022, recently had her contract extended at the school through June 2026, according to board documents .

A source close to the school confirmed that Dressback went on leave from the school at the end of February, confirmed by an email she had sent out to parents at the school. A subsequent email by Dressback that has been reviewed by CBS 42 confirmed that as recently as March, she was still not at the school.

“Good afternoon, CH Parents,” Dressback wrote in one email to school parents on March 13. “I have been out of the building, and will be for a little while longer. Please know that if you have any immediate needs, contact (assistant principal) Kim Polson, and she will be happy to assist you.”

Dressback’s absence has come as both a mystery to many in the community, some of whom have called her a beloved teacher. Before becoming principal at VHECA, Dressback had been a history teacher at Vestavia Hills High since 2005, where she had taught history. In December 2015, she was named Secondary Teacher of the Year by the school system.

In Pill’s video, as well another video posted on YouTube by Karl Julian , allegations were made regarding whether or not aspects of Dressback’s personal life had anything to do with her being put on leave from the school. According to school policy , contracts can be canceled for reasons such as “neglect of duty,” “insubordination” or “immorality.” CBS 42 has not been able to substantiate the claims made by Pill and Julian in their videos, both of whom said had Dressback’s blessing to talk about her case.

Attempts to reach Dressback for comment were not successful at deadline.

During the public comment section of the board meeting, two people asked pointed questions regarding where Dressback was.

“If I ask questions, are you obligated to answer them,” asked Jim Whisenhunt, who had two children graduate from the school system.

“We generally do not respond to public comments,” board vice president Scott Brown said.

“What happened to Principal Lauren Dressback,” Whisenhunt asked. “All you can get is what your friends and what social media have done on this. She’s been a great teacher and principal.”

Patrick Mills, a graduate of Vestavia Hills High School, said the board’s decision to be silent about Dressback was a disservice to the community.

“I would like to remind the board that its mission is to create an educational system distinguished by a safe and nurturing environment, the courage to be creative, unparalleled community support and an appreciation for diversity,” Mills said. “The action of putting Lauren Dressback on administrative leave undermines this mission.”

Following the meeting, Freeman declined to comment on Dressback’s absence.

“On the advice of my counsel and the board, we will not comment on matters related to personnel,” Freeman said.

When asked whether or not Dressback’s contract had been previously renewed, Freeman was preparing to speak, but was interrupted by board attorney Pat Boone.

“No, we do not discuss personnel matters at a public meeting,” Boone said.

You can watch the full board and public comment section here .

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