TRAVERSE CITY — The principal of Traverse City's newest charter high school has been removed from his position, as the school's management company cited a desire to move in a new direction.
Cameron Owens, school leader at Traverse City College Preparatory Academy in East Bay Township, was notified Tuesday of the decision. His last day will be Friday.
Owens took the helm of the 9-12 high school when it opened last year. The school nearly doubled its enrollment this fall, growing from about 55 students in 2007 to 92 as of Wednesday.
Owens will continue to be employed with Leona Group, but said he is unsure what his next career step will be. He was not at the school today.
Several parents and students said they weren't told why Owens was removed. Many students boycotted classes today, and instead gathered in the school's parking lot in support of their principal.
Some said a clip from a spring talent show that surfaced on the Internet could be to blame, although Leona Group officials denied the claim.
In the video, which appeared on YouTube, a male teacher dressed in female clothing and danced suggestively while Owens sat in a chair. Click here to view the video »
The teacher was reprimanded, Owens said.
A parent meeting with the Leona Group will be held at 7 p.m. tonight at the school, 1402 Carlisle Road in Traverse City.
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