CBS19 News at 5: Students rally behind Monticello High principal during walkout

ALBEMARLE COUNTY, Va. (#CBS19NEWS) -- A large group of students at Monticello High School walked out of class to show their support for Principal Dr. Beth Costa, who is one of three Albemarle County school principals currently on extended leave. The walkout took place late Wednesday morning, with students gathering to call for Costa's return to the school. Students, speaking on the condition of anonymity, said they are frustrated by the lack of information about her absence. "We've gotten, like, no information on why she's on leave or anything like that, and so we just want to be informed of why, like, what's happening. We don't know anything," one student said. The student added that the lack of information has contributed to rumors spreading throughout the school. "Rumors are a huge thing in high school, I'm sure you know. So the more rumors that spread, we want to cut down on that," the student said. The school division has not publicly explained why Costa or the other two principals are away from their buildings. Videos and photos show students gathering outside the school. Students also posted messages of support on Instagram, including "We've got your back Costa," "She didn't do anything" and "They will not take the best principal away from us. Get her off leave pronto." One student said Costa has built strong relationships with students by taking the time to get to know them. "She, like, really cares about us, you know? So, and she takes time to get to know every student that she's a principal of," the student said. The walkout comes after a Monticello High School student suffered an apparent overdose last week. Albemarle County Public Schools Acting Superintendent Dr. Chandra Hayes later told families that the division failed to meet a Virginia law deadline for notifying the public about the incident. It remains unclear whether Costa's leave is connected to the student's apparent overdose. Albemarle County Public Schools did not respond to a request for comment.