DPS director placed on leave after Denver7 investigation

DENVER – The principal of Columbian Elementary School in Denver has been placed on paid administrative leave following a Denver7 investigation into an allegedly drunk teacher at the school.

Denver Public Schools officials notified parents of Drew Hall’s absence on Tuesday, writing in an email, “This is standard procedure until a matter is resolved or an investigation is complete.” They did not disclose the reason for the matter, citing privacy concerns.

Earlier on Thursday, Denver7 Investigates met with several whistleblowers who claimed that an elementary school teacher – whose name we are not naming here – was drunk on the job for months during the last school year.

Employees who spoke to Denver7 Investigates said concerns about the teacher were brought to Hall’s attention for several months and no action was taken. They claim nothing was done until a teacher called Safe2Tell.

DPS could not provide further details about Tuesday’s action.