Parmelee Elementary School Principal Accused Of Inappropriate Conduct

The principal of Parmelee Elementary School has been placed on administrative leave after being accused of inappropriate conduct.

Officials with Oklahoma City Public Schools (OKCPS) began investigating after the allegations against Principal Jan Parks surfaced. Parks is on leave with pay as the investigation proceeds.

The details of the accusations has not yet been released and the district has not said if police will be involved in the investigation.

OKCPS spokesperson Mark Myers released the following information about the investigation:

"The Oklahoma City Public School District (OKCPS) was recently made aware of allegations regarding inappropriate conduct by the principal of Parmelee Elementary. OKCPS is currently investigating the incident, and the employee has been placed on administrative leave with pay pending investigation of the incident. Due to the fact that the investigation is ongoing we are not at liberty to release any further details at this time."

An attorney representing Parks, Robert Redwine, also issued a statement regarding the allegations: 

"My client denies the allegations against her and we have offered her cooperation in demonstrating the truth. Unfortunately, OKC Public Schools continues the utterly reckless, and we believe unlawful, practice of suspending a Principal first, then investigating, allegations of this nature. We will now be compelled to address the harm to Jan’s reputation that has resulted."  

Parents were not given notice about the principal being placed on leave or about the investigation.

“They’re supposed to be trusted here at school with your kids being there all day long,” said grandparent Deborah Stafford.

The investigation started after allegations of misconduct reached the school district.

With no explanation from the school district, parents are left with nothing but their suspicions.

Patricia Yanez has three students attending the school and said the whole situation makes her uncomfortable.

“I don’t know if the principal is touching the student or what, and a lot of parents should be concerned about this,” Yanez said.