A week after abruptly removing principal Karen Marler from Lacoochee Elementary School, Pasco County school officials are offering an explanation.

"We received information that suggested there are concerns among the staff at Lacoochee with regard to the school climate," assistant superintendent David Scanga told the Gradebook.

He said the reports came from a "variety of people."

Key administrators from employee relations, human resources and leadership development have gone to the school daily to collect information from employees, and they'll return next week to continue the review. Until all the details have been gathered and analyzed, Scanga said he would not offer any specifics.

He expected to conclude the climate study next week, and did not have a time frame for determining what steps might come next. Centennial Elementary principal Cindy Harper will remain in charge at Lacoochee for the time being. Marler has been temporarily reassigned to work on projects at the district office.