Bixby High School principal, Mickey Replogle, has been made unemployed after allegations against him of smelling like alcohol and inappropriately touching students.
Bixby High School Principal Mickey Replogle is no longer employed with the school. Allegations were made of inappropriate behavior at an off-campus dance, made by several people in attendance reports News Channel 8. Allegations against Replogle include smelling of alcohol and inappropriate touching of students on the dance floor reports 2 News Oklahoma.
The Bixby High School fall dance was held on Sept. 28 in Tulsa at the Renaissance Hotel reports News Channel 8. A letter was sent out to parents by Bixby Public Schools Superintendent Rob Miller to parents, reports News Channel 8. Replogle was escorted out of the dance by law enforcement, reported News Channel 8. Replogle was suspended from his duties pending a thorough investigation immediately. Replogle has posted bond on the charge of public intoxication with the other allegations being investigated by Tulsa Police Department reported News Channel 8. Miller confirms if these behaviors were true, they would be utterly unacceptable for any individual but especially for someone in a trusted leadership position, reports News Channel 8. Counselors have been on hand to help the students, reports 2 News Oklahoma.
Miller gave an update that his administrative team immediately began the rebuilding process by meeting with administrators and counselors from grades 9 through to 12 on Sept. 29 reported News Channel 8. Miller added Replogle will no longer be employed at Bixby schools, reported News Channel 8.
News Channel 8 spoke to an Oklahoma State representative on the allegations, State Representative House District 77 John Waldron. Waldron said it is important to collect the facts with allegations like this and follow procedure reported News Channel 8. Walden added they should give the system a chance to work, as a case like this would not be covered up nor hidden, reported News Channel 8.
Dan Isett, the Oklahoma Department of Education Director of Communications said, “It is no surprise that a rogue Superintendent in Bixby has allowed improper behavior by school leadership and has endangered our students,” reported News Channel 8. Isett added that conduct endangering students is unacceptable and agencies have moved quickly to investigate the incident reported News Channel 8.
A parent, Emily Blaylock expressed her concern over the principal’s behavior, that Replogle should be a role model reported News on 6. Blaylock also added that allegations were circulating on social media, but it was addressed the next morning, and she appreciated the transparency of the school reported News on 6.
The statement sent out to students about the event by Miller urges any students with any relevant information to report it immediately reported News on 6. Furthermore, Replogle has been dropped off his duties immediately following this incident, reports News on 6.
Replogle appeared in court on Oct. 1 where the judge entered him into a not guilty plea on reports Fox23 News. His next court appearance is set for November.
Hannah, a Bixby High School graduate from 2023 was shocked to hear the news but shared that the school district is not new to scandals like this reported Fox23 News. Hannah continued that she was surprised because he was still getting adjusted to the school reports Fox23 News. Hannah added that she feels a kind of weight like this will stay blanketed over the school for a long time because of a number of scandals involving a similar thing in the past, for example their old superintendent and his son reported Fox23 News.
Fox23 News stated on Sept. 30, Miller shared with parents that Replogle will no longer be employed by Bixby schools. Miller further shared that it distresses him that any child in Bixby schools would feel unsafe or uncomfortable around employees, let alone in a leadership position, reports Fox23 News. Fox23 News reached out to Replogle for a statement, however, have not heard anything back. Miller has temporarily assigned assistant Superintendent Kendall Still to Bixby High School, reports Fox23 News. This is for added support until the administration develops a leadership transition plan says Miller reports Fox23 News.
Bixby High School’s website has been updated and no longer includes Replogle and his position as of Oct. 4.