Thursday, 08.05.10

The principal who told a parent to ``eat s--- and die'' in an e-mail has been permanently moved from Coconut Grove Elementary.

Eva N. Ravelo, 45, was transferred to Coral Terrace Elementary in West Miami-Dade on Wednesday.

She will be replaced by Sharon Lopez, who previously served as principal at Riverside Elementary in Little Havana.

Ravelo first raised controversy in May, when she included the phrase in response to an e-mail from a parent.

Speaking on Ravelo's behalf, a school employee said the message was meant for an assistant principal -- and that Ravelo had apologized for the mistake.

Still, parents at Coconut Grove Elementary were adamant that Ravelo ought to be removed.

A 20-year district veteran, Ravelo received positive reviews throughout her career, public records show. During her two-year tenure at Coconut Grove, students made significant improvements on the state tests in reading and math.

Ravelo could not be reached for a comment Wednesday.

-- KATHLEEN McGRORY