Traverse City Record-Eagle

Archive: Friday

September 26, 2008

11:50 am: TC Prep principal back, for now

By LINDSAY VanHULLE

TRAVERSE CITY — The principal at Traverse City College Preparatory Academy will stay on as the school's leader while a new administrator is found, the result of strong support from parents and students.

Leaders at The Leona Group LLC, a for-profit educational company that runs charter schools across the country, reversed their decision to remove Cameron Owens during a parent-led meeting at the school Thursday night.

He will remain as principal for at least three weeks, as a committee of Leona Group officials, a school board member, a staff member and at least one parent reviews applications for the position, said Raymond Gant, regional vice president for The Leona Group in Michigan.

The committee will recommend a candidate to company managers, who will make the final decision, Gant said. Owens is welcome to apply.

"We're encouraged by the level of support from the parents," he said.

Owens was notified Tuesday he would be reassigned within the school's management company, after officials cited a need to strengthen the curriculum and boost enrollment.

The school's advisory board was notified Wednesday, and students learned soon thereafter. Many boycotted classes Thursday in protest. Parents organized Thursday's meeting to voice their concerns.

"I'm just happy with the fact that they're even attempting to negotiate and give us a say in the matter," parent Tanya Montgomery said. "He's the glue to it all, and he's the one who gives inspiration."

Owens could not immediately be reached for comment.

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