Racine Unified principal on leave of absence amid allegations involving pocket knife

RACINE COUNTY -- A Racine Unified School District spokeswoman Tuesday, October 17th confirmed for FOX6 News that Jefferson Lighthouse Elementary School Principal Heidi Williams is on a leave of absence, accused of having a weapon on school property.

In a letter to parents, district officials did not disclose the reason she's been placed on leave, but police say Williams told them she had the pocket knife for protection, after an incident involving neighborhood children.

"I was a little shocked. I really don't know what to make out of all of it," a parent said.

A police report indicates in September, Williams showed a custodian a folding pocket knife while inside the school. When the custodian was escorting Williams to her vehicle, she told him a group of neighborhood kids prevented her from backing out of the parking lot.

FOX6 News has learned an internal review of files revealed an unsent email the custodian had written to himself, with details about the incident.

"If she felt unsafe, she should have shared that with parents, especially the ones that live so close to the school," a parent said.

The Racine County district attorney confirmed for FOX6 News they're requesting more information before moving forward with any potential charges in this case.

"I love this school. I wouldn't take my daughter out of this school over something like that," a parent said.

Some said they sympathize with Williams' situation.

"My feelings go out to her because I've gone to work scared myself," a parent said.

Deputy Superintendent Eric Gallien sent the following letter to families:

Additionally, the Racine Unified School District has released this statement:

FOX6 News reached out to Williams via telephone. She hasn't yet returned our messages.

She has posted $250 bail in this case -- though she hasn't been criminally charged.

Monitor FOX6 News and FOX6Now.com for the latest developments.