POULSBO — Doug Wagner is filling in for Claudia Alves as principal of Poulsbo Elementary School.

The North Kitsap School District is investigating Alves’ repeated use of the N-word in discussions with a student and his parents about how the word differs from other words.

Wagner took over as a substitute principal on Jan. 27, according to district spokeswoman Jenn Markaryan.

Wagner has substituted in the district before. He previously worked for the Bremerton School District.

Alves is on paid leave during the investigation. Superintendent Patty Page said the leave is not considered discipline.

Alves was placed on administrative leave Jan. 21, according to an email to parents from Page. The decision to place Alves on leave was made that day, according to Page. The district has an independent investigator looking into the matter.

— This version corrects Wagner’s starting date at Poulsbo Elementary. The date is incorrect in the Jan. 31 print edition.