Marshall High School Principal Angel Johnson removed by CPS

CHICAGO (WLS) -- Angel Johnson, the principal of Marshall High School on Chicago's West Side, has been removed. The decision is not sitting well with some students, teachers and parents.

An official confirmed Monday that Johnson is no longer on the job at John Marshall Metropolitan High School, located in the 3200-block of West Adams Street in the city's East Garfield Park neighborhood.

Chicago Public Schools CEO Barbara Byrd-Bennett appointed Ms. Lori Campbell to serve as principal of Marshall High School after successfully leading Piccolo Elementary Specialty School, CPS Spokesman Bill McCaffrey said.

"While the District understands change can be difficult, we are confident this transition is in the best interest of students and the Marshall school community," McCaffrey said. "We will work with students, families and the community to ensure a productive and successful school year."

Supporters urge Byrd-Bennett to reconsider her decision to remove Johnson. They said under Johnson's leadership, Marshall made an impressive turnaround and has improved in key areas, including "attendance, graduation rates, achievement and discipline."

"I would like to know why, three weeks into the school year, this decision is being made. I would also like to know how this is going to impact the students, and did they think about the impact that this would have on the students," said Stacion Cruz Delapena, a Marshall High School math teacher.

CPS said Marshall High School has been on academic probation for the last 18 years. Marshall recently received its second three-year School Improvement Grant from the state school board, which helps low-performing schools make academic progress.

The grant was contingent upon leadership change at the school. The district said it went through a "multi-phased process designed to identify a strong leader that will create an environment for success and drive student achievement."