PEORIA, Arizona — The principal of Centennial High School resigned from his position on Friday as the school and district face intense scrutiny regarding allegations of sexual misconduct involving a student and two former educators.
Principal Scott Hollabaugh, who has spent eight years at Centennial High School, stepped down following ongoing investigations into the actions of two former teachers. Hollabaugh, along with other school administrators and the Peoria Unified School District, has faced significant public pressure during the inquiries.
In a letter distributed to student families, Hollabaugh acknowledged the community’s ongoing pain and sadness stemming from the behavior of the two former employees. He stated that recent events prompted reflection regarding the healing process and what the school requires moving forward.
An internal school district investigation alleged that Haley Beck, a former world history, sociology, and psychology teacher who also coached soccer, engaged in grooming behavior with a student. The school board subsequently voted to terminate her employment, and the Peoria Police Department has recommended a criminal charge of pandering against her.
According to police and school district records, Beck exchanged more than 4,000 text messages with the teenage student between June and August of 2025. The communications allegedly detailed plans to meet for sexual activity, consume alcohol, and smoke marijuana.
A second teacher, Angela Burlaka, surrendered her teaching license after police records alleged that she transmitted sexually explicit videos to the same student. Law enforcement data indicates that several messages were sent before the juvenile turned 18. Burlaka previously worked as the school’s COOP and Child Development teacher, and police are recommending a criminal charge of aggravated luring of a minor against her.
Community members and school board officials have requested an independent, third-party investigation into how the administration managed the initial allegations and whether any mandatory reporting laws were violated.
Police records show that when a search warrant was executed for Burlaka in July 2025, Hollabaugh informed detectives that he possessed information relevant to the case, noting he had received multiple complaints from staff and students regarding the relationship between Beck and the victim. Additionally, before the start of the school year, the principal of Peoria High School had communicated external concerns regarding Beck to Hollabaugh.
The Peoria Police Department stated that its ongoing investigation has not yet revealed any violations of mandatory reporting laws.
Hollabaugh’s departure marks the latest leadership shift for the district, which recently appointed its second interim superintendent in roughly a month. Additionally, the governing board’s previous president was removed from her leadership role after publicly criticizing the district’s response to the allegations.
The Maricopa County Attorney’s Office confirmed that criminal cases for both Beck and Burlaka remain under active review, and law enforcement continues to seek tips from the public.
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