{"id":785,"date":"2026-05-23T07:33:28","date_gmt":"2026-05-23T07:33:28","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/tucsonmovingreport.com\/?p=785"},"modified":"2026-05-23T07:33:28","modified_gmt":"2026-05-23T07:33:28","slug":"centennial-high-principal-resigns-amid-teacher-student-sex-scandal","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/tucsonmovingreport.com\/?p=785","title":{"rendered":"Centennial High principal resigns amid teacher-student sex scandal"},"content":{"rendered":"
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PEORIA, Ariz. (AZFamily)<\/b> \u2014 The principal at Centennial High School, where two teachers are accused of sexual conduct with the same teenage boy, resigned Friday.<\/p>\n

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Scott Hollabaugh had been the principal at the school for eight years before resigning.<\/p>\n

The Peoria Unified School District and Centennial High School have faced criticism in recent months over how the sexual misconduct investigation involving Haley Beck and Angela Berlaca has been handled.<\/p>\n

According to a police report, the case came to light after the boy\u2019s grandmother found a sexually explicit video of Berlaca on her grandson\u2019s phone.<\/p>\n

A district spokesperson said the Peoria Police Department investigated the district\u2019s handling of the concerns and communicated in writing on April 2 that there was no indication district officials failed to meet their obligations as mandatory reporters under Arizona law.<\/p>\n

After reports about the allegations surfaced, many parents and community members voiced concerns that the situation appeared to be an open secret at the school, with rumors circulating for months before authorities became involved.<\/p>\n

Hollabaugh addressed the investigation\u2019s impact on the school in a letter sent to teachers and staff. <\/p>\n

You can read the full letter below.<\/p>\n

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Dear Centennial Families,<\/p>\n

Today I shared with our teachers and staff that I\u2019ve decided to step away from my role as principal of Centennial.<\/p>\n

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The eight years I\u2019ve spent here have been among the best of my 23 years as a teacher and administrator. Centennial is a special place because of its people and their unwavering commitment to promoting student opportunity and excellence. I am deeply grateful to our students, families, teachers, staff, and coaches for the work we\u2019ve done together to build and sustain a culture of achievement.<\/p>\n

This morning, as we gathered with staff to celebrate the completion of another outstanding school year, we reflected on the very best of Centennial – the students, staff, and experiences that make this community special. We honored staff members beginning new chapters and recognized retirements that reflect a lifetime of commitment to education. We also reflected on a year filled with meaningful accomplishments in academics, arts, athletics, activities, leadership, and service. Those moments and the relationships behind them are what define Centennial, and they deserve to remain at the center of our story.<\/p>\n

At the same time, I recognize the pain and sadness our community continues to experience related to the actions of two former employees. The events of recent weeks have also prompted significant reflection about healing and what Centennial needs most moving forward. The strength of Centennial has always been found in its people, its relationships, and the way this community continues to show up for one another during both celebrations and hardship. As we close this school year, our focus has remained on supporting students and staff, especially our seniors and the important celebrations surrounding graduation. With graduation now completed and preparations already underway for next year, this moment provides an opportunity for renewal.<\/p>\n

Centennial\u2019s future remains incredibly strong. More than 900 of our 2,100 students choose to attend Centennial through open enrollment, and overall enrollment continues to grow because families believe in this school, its staff, and its opportunities for students. In the coming weeks, I will support the district\u2019s efforts to ensure a smooth transition that positions Centennial for continued success.<\/p>\n

I\u2019ve appreciated the support of our district leaders and the many parents, students, staff, and community members who have reached out with encouragement and kindness. Thank you for allowing me the privilege of serving the Coyote community. Centennial will always hold a special place in my heart, and I know it will continue to thrive for years to come because of the partnership between its students, parents, and staff.<\/p>\n

With gratitude,<\/p>\n