Principal at top school retires amid accusations of hostile environment

The longtime principal at a highly rated North Side elementary school has retired amid accusations of hostility toward her staff, a tense environment for students and a history of inappropriate and insensitive comments.

The retirement marked an abrupt end to the storied career of Dr. Kathleen Hagstrom, who served as principal at Walt Disney Magnet Elementary School in Buena Park for decades.

Allegations against Hagstrom, 75, first surfaced publicly last week in an online petition that called for her removal and that has since garnered more than 1,400 signatures.

The petition detailed alleged instances of mistreatment that rose to the levels of "discrimination, retaliation, bullying and unfair labor practices," and the "mental anguish" they caused.

The creator of the petition couldn't be reached for comment, and some of the specific incidents mentioned could not be verified. But in interviews, some staff and students claimed there was an uncomfortable and sometimes hostile work and learning environment at the school - even as Hagstrom maintains some strong supporters.

Hagstrom, whose retirement won't go into effect for another two weeks, said she was instructed not to comment and directed questions to district officials.

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