Minneapolis school principal attacked by student, still recovering weeks later

MINNEAPOLIS (KMSP) - A principal in Minneapolis is recovering from a head injury after being assaulted by a student. Monica Fabre wouldn't comment on exactly what took place, but clarified she was not breaking up a fight when she was injured -- she was attacked.

The incident happened well before students left for holiday break, yet there is still no sign of her back at school.  Based on how she's feeling, Fabre told Fox 9 she doesn't know when she will be back.

According to the police report, officers were called to Harrison Education Center, an alternative high school for students with severe emotional and behavioral needs, just before 10:30 a.m. on Dec. 7.

Fabre was seen by the school nurse while a 17-year-old student was transported to a juvenile unit to be processed. Later that same day, Fabre said she sought additional medical attention, and she's been working to recover from headaches and side effects from a concussion ever since.

At one point, she was crying on the phone with Fox 9 as she picked up more medication while preparing for another doctor's appointment the next day.  

This comes as St. Paul Public Schools are dealing with a couple of similar incidents -- a teacher there was punched, and two days later another teacher suffered a concussion after being punched, body slammed, and choked to unconsciousness while breaking up a fight.

"I wish I could tell you what is wrong, because if I knew what was wrong I would have already fixed it -- but it's a community issue,” the superintendent of St. Paul Public Schools said following one of the incidents.

But Minneapolis Public Schools is far less transparent. As of Wednesday morning, the director of communications had no knowledge of an incident involving an injured principal, and later said the district cannot confirm or deny anything regarding student or staff private information.

Somewhat fearful for the job she's held for one year, Fabre said aggressive behavior incidents like she experienced are why her work on the north side is critical. She added, “I love all my student, including the student involved, and I can't wait to return."