Bixby students report inappropriate touching by school principal; Arrest made

Bixby students report inappropriate touching by school principal; Arrest made

Bixby High School is currently reeling after a shocking scandal involving its principal, Mickey Replogle. Replogle was arrested and subsequently suspended from his position following accusations of public intoxication and inappropriate behavior during the school’s fall dance at the Renaissance Hotel in Tulsa. The incident, which took place on Saturday, has left the community grappling with concern and outrage.

The series of events began during the school dance, where several students and adults reported observing unsettling behavior from the principal. According to these accounts, Replogle appeared to be intoxicated, with the distinct smell of alcohol surrounding him. In addition, multiple allegations surfaced that he had inappropriately touched students on the dance floor. These reports quickly set off alarm bells, prompting swift action from school administrators and law enforcement.

Superintendent Rob Miller addressed the situation in a message to parents, explaining the gravity of the incident. “A serious incident occurred last night at our Bixby High School Fall Dance at the Renaissance Hotel in Tulsa,” the statement began. Miller went on to confirm that both students and adults had raised concerns about Replogle’s behavior. “These reports included detecting the smell of alcohol and alleged inappropriate touching of several students on the dance floor,” Miller said, underscoring the severity of the accusations.

The Tulsa Police Department was called to the scene immediately after the initial reports surfaced, and an investigation into Replogle’s conduct began without delay. Officers swiftly arrested Replogle, booking him into the City of Tulsa Jail on charges of public intoxication. At this point, it remains unclear whether additional charges will be filed as the investigation progresses.

The arrest of a principal for such serious allegations is a rare and deeply concerning event. School leadership, often viewed as role models and authority figures, are expected to exemplify ethical behavior. This incident has shaken the trust between the school administration and the student body, as well as parents and staff who look to the principal to foster a safe and respectful environment.

Parents in the community are understandably upset. The idea of a trusted school official behaving inappropriately with students, especially in a setting as celebratory as a school dance, is deeply troubling. Social media has been ablaze with comments from parents and students expressing disbelief, anger, and confusion. One parent, who preferred to remain anonymous, shared, “I’m heartbroken. I send my kids to school expecting them to be safe, and to hear this about someone in such a position of power—it’s devastating.”

In response to the incident, the school district is urging any students or individuals with additional information to come forward. Superintendent Miller emphasized the importance of transparency and accountability in this matter, noting that students and staff alike should report any further details either to the Tulsa Police Department or directly to school administrators.

While Replogle’s future with the school district remains uncertain, his immediate suspension signals the administration’s acknowledgment of the seriousness of the situation. Superintendent Miller’s office has been clear that an investigation is underway and that they will continue to cooperate fully with law enforcement. The school district has not yet announced any interim plans for replacing Replogle in his role as principal, leaving many in the community anxious about the school’s leadership going forward.

For now, Bixby High School must focus on rebuilding the trust that has been fractured by this incident. The principal’s actions have cast a dark cloud over what was meant to be a joyous school event, and it will likely take time for both students and staff to fully recover from the shock of the allegations. Ensuring the safety and well-being of students remains the district’s top priority.

As the investigation continues, the community is left to grapple with the disturbing reality that those entrusted with positions of power can sometimes abuse that trust. Bixby High School is expected to hold a town hall meeting in the coming days to address parent and student concerns, allowing for an open dialogue about how to move forward after such a troubling episode.

In times like these, transparency, swift action, and open communication are essential for healing and rebuilding trust. The Bixby School District, along with local authorities, will need to work hand-in-hand to ensure that justice is served and that students feel safe once more within their school environment.