More than a week after Superintendent Clifford Janey said the District Public Schools were investigating Alice Deal Junior High Principal Melissa Kim on claims she has acted abusively toward students, it remains unclear what actions had been taken by his office.

A small but growing group of parents, calling themselves Save Alice Deal, has been holding protests against Kim outside the school, located in Ward 3, since April 25. The parents say she has suspended and targeted children unfairly and has physically and verbally abused students.

The parents, who have also attempted to gain the attention of city leaders by protesting at the John A. Wilson Building, have refused to back down until they meet with Janey. That meeting is scheduled for June 11.

DCPS spokeswoman Audrey Williams said the school system is investigating but would not provide details about how the investigation was being conducted, who has been involved or whether Janey has spoken in person with Kim.

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The DCPS security office investigated at least one incident brought forth by one of the SAD protesters, Williams said, adding that Regional Superintendent Patricia Tucker’s office is “taking action commensurate with the results.” She would not say what those results or actions were, citing confidentiality rules.

She said the investigation has been hampered by the protesters’ refusals to meet with Kim, Assistant Superintendent Cleopatra Figgures and other Janey deputies.

“The system is not looking the other way,” Williams said Tuesday.

“Complaints must be balanced against the many more letters of support that school and city officials have received from parents who are quite pleased with Ms. Kim’s work and conduct at Deal,” Williams said.

cmabeus@dcexaminer.com