The principal of South Whidbey Primary School is on administrative leave while the district conducts an investigation into management issues.

Bernie Mahar was placed on paid leave and has been temporarily replaced by Jan McNeeley, a teacher at South Whidbey Primary School.

District Superintendent Fred McCarthy would not give specific details of the investigation, but was emphatic that the allegations had nothing to do with students.

“We are investigating a management issue. There are no concerns about children,” McCarthy said.

“The district cannot provide any more details at this point,” he said.

McCarthy said he placed Mahar on administrative leave Thursday. The action did not involve the school board.

Mahar did not respond to telephone calls from The Record.

McCarthy said he has brought someone in from outside the school district to assist with the investigation, but would not identify the person.

McCarthy said he was unsure how long the investigation would be.

“It’s open- ended at this point,” McCarthy said.

A letter was sent home with South Whidbey School Primary students Tuesday. Other school district officials were notified previously by McCarthy.

McCarthy said he has made a couple of visits to the Primary School to meet with staff.

In the letter to parents McCarthy said, “while I am sure this action raises many questions and concerns, the district is unable to provide any additional information at this time and we ask for your patience while the process moves forward.”

The letter also said that McNeely will serve as interim administrator at the school until further notice.

Mahar has been with the South Whidbey School district for 10 years; she earned a doctorate in education last year.

She serves on the district’s curriculum committee and has participated in negotiations as a district representative with the teachers’ union.