KENWOOD — After resigning from King College Prep amid criticism from parents and students, Shontae Higginbottom is now the principal of Bouchet Math and Science Academy in South Shore.
Higginbottom replaces Kim Angela Sims at Bouchet, 7355 S. Jeffery Blvd., according to a spokesman for Chicago Public Schools.
The move marks a return to elementary education by Higginbottom.
She left King on Oct. 25, where her strict disciplinary polices caused friction between her and students and staff, culminating in a sit-in by the student body in December.
Before coming to King, Higginbottom was prinicipal at Avalon Park Elementary, where teachers said they appreciated her no-nonsense style.
“When she first came to our school, it was a new day,” said veteran Avalon teacher Sharon Brown at a King local school council meeting convened to address Higginbottom’s disciplinary policies earlier this year.
Brown and others from Avalon Park described at the time a style of discipline that was severe, but effective in the elementary school.
“You should fear and respect your principal,” Brown said.
Higginbottom did not return calls for comment.
