Overview:
Plot twist: Ava from Abbott Elementary has been fired from principal of Abbott Elementary as of last night.
In a major shake-up at Abbott Elementary, Principal Ava Coleman (Janelle James) finally faces the repercussions of her questionable leadership in the episode “Audit.” After an audit reveals she accepted bribes from a local golf course, Ava is abruptly fired, marking a significant turning point for the show and causing Twitter users to be in a fury.
Ava went from being selfish enough to blackmail her way into the principal’s position to selfless enough to lose her job by taking all the blame in blackmailing the golf course #AbbottElementary pic.twitter.com/YaJ3qeJqy6
— i’m that (cow)girl (@beyoncesbonnet) March 20, 2025
The audit, initiated by her longtime frenemy Crystal (Tatyana Ali), arrives earlier than expected, catching Ava and the faculty off guard. Believing they had more time to prepare, Janine (Quinta Brunson), Gregory (Tyler James Williams), and the rest of the staff scramble to hide the computers and other supplies gifted from the golf course. However, their efforts fall apart when the golf course’s lawyer, Miles Nathaniel, arrives unannounced, openly referring to the items as a “bribe.”
Realizing she’s been caught, Ava takes the blame, thinking she can escape serious consequences. However, while teachers were only at risk of suspension, principals faced harsher penalties. In a shocking moment, Ava learns she is being fired, leaving her—and the school—reeling.
If you would’ve told me in season one that Ava would get fired.. I would be here for it. (The girl was RECKLESS)
But season 4 Ava… doesn’t deserve that, like not at all. #AbbottElementary pic.twitter.com/9mbINMQf1g
— raveen marie 🫶 (@xoraveen) March 20, 2025
Executive producer Patrick Schumacker notes that Ava never saw this coming. “She thought she was untouchable,” he explains. The show’s writers knew there had to be consequences for the golf course scandal, though they didn’t plan from the start to remove Ava from her position.
While Ava’s firing is a significant shift, it doesn’t mean she’s gone for good. Thanks to Abbott Elementary’s documentary format, Schumacker hints that the show will continue to follow her story. Meanwhile, her absence will force the school to reckon with the impact of her unconventional leadership.
All I know is Ava better get her job back and I’m so serious #AbbottElementary pic.twitter.com/7y1mrbkIQx
— Kirstyn (@Kirstynlynne) March 20, 2025
“The principal role will need to be filled,” executive producer Justin Halpern teases. He also notes that Ava’s departure will spark reflection among the staff, exploring how both the school and the community respond to a sudden leadership change.
Ava had created a unique school culture despite her flaws, and her firing disrupts the balance she maintained. “She controlled an ecosystem in her own way,” Schumacker says. “Now that system is collapsing.”
Adding to the emotional weight of her firing is that it was delivered by district worker Manny (Josh Segarra), a friend of Ava’s. His role underscores the cold, bureaucratic nature of the decision. “You can build relationships with people, but the system always comes first,” Halpern explains.
THEY FR FIRED AVA??? holy plot twist don’t break my family up like this what is going on #abbottelementary
pic.twitter.com/9MRdLqPJiP— reg (@nye_regan) March 20, 2025
As for Crystal, Ava may not be done with her just yet. “That story is not over,” Schumacker hints, suggesting that Ava isn’t one to sit back quietly. Halpern adds, “Ava knows the game she’s playing. When she’s knocked down, she understands why. But that doesn’t mean she won’t make a move.”
