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Bixby principal 'no longer employed' after arrest at school dance

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BIXBY, Okla. — Bixby High School Principal Mickey Replogle is suspended following his arrest at the school's fall dance at Tulsa Renaissance Convention Center Sept. 28.

On Sept. 30, Bixby Public School released a statement saying Replogle will no longer work for the school system.

Here's that letter:

Spartan Community,

I want to update you regarding Saturday night's incident at the Bixby High School Fall dance. Again, I understand how upsetting this news was for many members of our Spartan community. It distresses me that any child in Bixby Schools would feel unsafe or uncomfortable around any BPS employee, let alone a person in a leadership position. I apologize to anyone who has been impacted by this incident and want to assure you that we are committed to regaining any trust that has been damaged.

Our administrative team immediately began this rebuilding process by meeting with administrators and counselors in grades 9-12 on Sunday. Early this morning, our district team visited with teachers and staff at the BHS auditorium. Often, a wide range of emotions are associated with an incident like this, so our focus will continue to be on supporting our students and staff with the utmost care and attention. We want you to know that additional counselors were available on site, and a scripted statement was read to all students by their teachers during 1st and 4th periods and posted in Canvas as well. This statement provided a brief update for students and directions for getting support or providing relevant information to school staff.

Mr. Replogle will no longer be employed by Bixby Schools. However, our commitment to addressing this incident does not end here. The district will continue to actively support the Tulsa Police Department’s ongoing investigation. We encourage anyone with additional information related to this case to share it directly with Officer Shea Duff at TPD (918) 596-2824, a school counselor or administrator, or me at rmiller@bixbyps.org or (918) 366-2200.

We are fortunate to have a solid administrative and counseling team at BHS. To support them over the next few weeks, I have temporarily assigned Assistant Supt. Kendall Still to the high school to provide support and stability until we develop a leadership transition plan. Mr. Still has been a principal in multiple districts and was most recently responsible for supervising secondary principals while a district administrator with OKC Public Schools.

Once again, I want to express my deep appreciation for the unwavering support our community has shown for our teachers and students during this challenging time. Your commitment is a true testament to the strength of our community. In the coming weeks, we will work diligently to restore and strengthen the positive culture we have at our schools. With homecoming next week and the opening of an incredible new high school building in January, we have many positive events to look forward to at Bixby High School. I feel truly blessed to be part of this fantastic community!

Sincerely,

Rob Miller

2 News first reported Replogle's suspension pending an investigation on Sept. 29th.

Allegations against him include:

  • smelling of alcohol
  • inappropriate touching of students on the dance floor

According to a letter sent to parents that morning, the district superintendent suspended Replogle as soon as he learned of the allegations. Tulsa police officers arrested Replogle at 11:35 p.m. for public intoxication, according to jail records.
Here is the full letter Superintendent Rob Miller sent to Bixby parents:

Spartan Community,

I am writing to inform you about a serious incident last night at our Bixby High School Fall Dance at the Renaissance Hotel in Tulsa. During the dance, several students and adults reported improper behavior by the BHS Principal, Mickey Replogle. These reports included detecting the smell of alcohol and alleged inappropriate touching of several students on the dance floor. Upon learning of these concerns, administrators and officers from the Tulsa Police Department immediately began an investigation into Mr. Replogle’s conduct.

Based on initial reports, I immediately suspended Mr. Replogle from all duties pending a thorough inquiry. The district takes these allegations very seriously and is prepared to respond further once information is confirmed. We greatly appreciate those students and staff who came forward with these reports. We anticipate that our investigation will be completed within 48 hours. The district is also cooperating fully with law enforcement during their investigation.

Students with relevant information about this incident should report it immediately. Information can be reported in the following ways:
  • Tulsa Police Department: 918-596-9222
  • School Site Administrator or Counselor
  • Superintendent Miller: rmiller@bixbyps.org or (918) 366-2200
We understand this news is very upsetting, and we are committed to supporting our students and staff. Our school counseling team will be available to assist anyone needing it, and our administration is prepared to support the continued smooth function of our daily school operations.

The well-being of our students is critically important, and parents and students must have complete confidence in the employees entrusted with their care. If these allegations are confirmed, such behavior would be utterly unacceptable for any individual within Bixby Schools, especially someone in a trusted leadership position. I want to reassure you that we will continue to swiftly take all necessary actions to protect and support our students and maintain the integrity of our school community.

The district is committed to maintaining open and honest communication. We will keep you informed as we are able to share additional information without compromising the investigation. If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact my office at 918-366-2200. We deeply appreciate your understanding and support as we navigate this difficult situation together.

Sincerely,

Rob Miller

Miller said the district's involvement doesn't stop at the firing:

"Our commitment to addressing this incident does not end here. The district will continue to actively support the Tulsa Police Department’s ongoing investigation. We encourage anyone with additional information related to this case to share it directly with Officer Shea Duff at TPD (918) 596-2824, a school counselor or administrator, or me at rmiller@bixbyps.org or (918) 366-2200."

Counselors are also on hand to help students through this process.


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