Principal of Eagan school on paid leave during probe

The principal of an Eagan elementary school is on a paid leave of absence while the Burnsville-Eagan-Savage School District investigates a complaint involving him, the district said Monday.

It's unclear whether or when Doug Steele will return to Rahn Elementary, said district spokeswoman Ruth Dunn, who would not elaborate on the nature of the complaint because of data practices law.

An interim principal, Elaine Mehdizadeh, stepped in at the school on Dec. 16. Mehdizadeh is a gifted-and-talented resource teacher who is also licensed as a school administrator, Dunn said. This fall, she filled in as interim principal at Gideon Pond Elementary in Burnsville for two months.

Steele has been principal at Rahn Elementary since 2003. He joined the school district in 1996, when he was hired as principal of William Byrne Elementary School in Burnsville.

The school board knows that the investigation is taking place but has not been told details, said board Chairwoman Vicki Roy. "Obviously, we take seriously any concerns and complaints, and we want to make sure we do a thorough investigation so we feel confident in whatever decision is made," she said.

SARAH LEMAGIE