Northeast principal out following student protest

Two days after about 150 students protested conditions at Northeast Academy for Health Sciences and Engineering, the school’s principal was removed with little explanation.

Sue Starr was placed on leave Wednesday.

“OKCPS leadership has been made aware of concerns related to the management, safety and culture of Northeast Academy and has had discussions with student leaders to address some of their concerns,” Oklahoma City Public Schools spokeswoman Beth Harrison said in a statement.

“Currently, Ms. Starr, the principal of Northeast Academy, is taking leave andis out of the building.”

Oklahoma Centennial Mid-High School Assistant Principal Angela Lewis will serve as interim principal in Starr’s absence while Shane Sanders, an administrative intern at Star Spencer High School, will fill the other administrative spot at Northeast, which was vacant, Harrison said.

Superintendent Aurora Lora and her staff, and several other departments, have been at Northeast, 3100 N Kelley, since July, and are expected to do so until some time in 2019.Lora said she met with student leaders after Monday’s protest to address concerns “and clear up some miscommunication and misinformation.” Parents and students who spoke at Monday night’s school board meeting in the Northeast auditorium characterized the district’s occupation of the building as disruptive, complained about overcrowding and said Starr received little support from the district.