Barrington Hills principal returns from paid leave

The principal of Countryside School in Barrington Hills will return from paid administrative leave Thursday with the full confidence of Barrington Unit District 220 officials, Superintendent Tom Leonard reported Wednesday.

Kimberly Foster-Thomas went on leave in mid-December to help resolve a confidential personnel issue that did not concern any parent or student or require a police investigation, Leonard said.

“I am grateful to all Countryside parents, staff and students — and especially to Mrs. Foster-Thomas — for the necessary patience during this short-lived, albeit vague interval,” Leonard wrote in a statement. “Unfortunately, certain legal and ethical considerations determine what can and cannot be shared during personnel discussions.”

Leonard added that, following the recent discussions, Foster-Thomas has the full confidence and support of the district as the right person to continue leading Countryside School, where she is in her fourth year as principal.