"Scream room" principal takes leave

MIDDLETOWN, Conn. (AP) - The principal of a Middletown school at the center of a debate over rooms used to isolate students when they have emotional outbursts is taking a leave of absence.

The Hartford Courant and The Middletown Press report that Farm Hill Elementary School principal Patricia Girard announced Wednesday she is taking a leave of absence to spend time with her family. She said she intends to return.

Middletown school officials have said they will reduce the use of areas criticized as "scream rooms " to isolate students when they have emotional outbursts.

Superintendent Michael Frechette says the rooms will be used only for students who have a special classification under a state law that allows for seclusion of those with disabilities.

State officials said they are investigating after parents raised concerns.