(COLORADO SPRINGS) — Students from all different grade levels gathered along with parents for the second time within a week to demand transparency and answers from Academy School District 20 (ASD20) after Pine Creek High School Principal Tracie Cormaney was put on leave without explanation from the district.
“I’m seeing a lot of sophomores, juniors and seniors here,” said Pine Creek High School Junior, Cameron Cooper. “I just feel like that really just shows the connection that Ms. Cormaney had with these students and yeah, I’m glad there’s a big outcome like this.”
On Friday, both staff and students protested Cormaney’s departure, leading to approximately one-third of the staff and two-thirds of the students being absent as reported by the district. Parents Susanna Prensner and Sarah Blount elaborated how these figures speak volumes about Cormaney’s influence on the entire school body.
“Pine Creek is a family and there is not anybody that would question that ever,” Prensner said. “So I think that this response should have been expected and that’s kind of also what some people felt and why the administration did not consider that thought.”
Among the sea of posters, the number 67 stood out prominently, which these parents say symbolized the significant absence of staff on Friday.
Courtesy:
Maggy Wolanske,
FOX21 News MMJ
Courtesy:
Maggy Wolanske,
FOX21 News MMJ
Courtesy:
Maggy Wolanske,
FOX21 News MMJ
“67 teachers didn’t show up on Friday,” Blount said. “Two-thirds of the class of the student body wasn’t there, I think that alone speaks for itself of how the school is feeling about Ms. Tracy not being at school.”
For many students, Cormaney has been a consistent presence in their daily routines, whether it’s welcoming them in the morning or providing enjoyable incentives like a gumball machine to uplift their spirits.
“I think she was just a great person,” Pine Creek High School Senior, Carson Caplan, said. “She’s always there when you walked in the school with a big smile and she greeted you. She’s always there to talk, not only as a principal, but as a friend, too, which is great.”
Parents also emphasized the significant impact Principal Cormaney had on the entire school community, urging the school district to recognize her pivotal role and to reinstate her.
“She is our leader, she needs to be there,” Blount said. “The kids need her, their parents need her. We all trust in her and if that’s not the case, then we need answers like we’re out here and have no idea what the future holds for our kids at Pine Creek or this week.”
ASD20 would not comment further on the situation, but on Friday provided the statement below outlining several measures regarding the current situation.
Principal Tracie Cormaney is currently out of the building on leave.
This matter is a priority for the district.
When dealing with personnel matters, the district conducts a thorough investigation. Doing so takes time.
The district does not have an estimated timeline for the completion of this situation.
During the entirety of Ms. Cormaney’s absence, five dedicated administrators, including Assistant Superintendent of Planning & Engagement Dr. Jim Smith, will be on-site to ensure continuity of learning and address any immediate needs that may arise.
Monday’s protest signifies the second time students have sacrificed school time to express their concerns. Prensner, as a parent, explained how the situation is directly affecting the school day and the school’s morale.
“I think it’s been a crazy distraction and I think also it made room for inappropriate gossip to take place and that’s not how us District 20 parents want to see our kids behaving or acting,” Prensner said. “We were trying to keep all of that under control, but it’s very hard to do so when you’re not being given any information and Tracie’s not being able to speak.”
On Monday, ASD20 students held their second protest, urging for the return of their principal, Tracie Cormaney, to Pine Creek High School.
As a senior, Caplan expressed his concerns about future leadership and his desire to ensure that Cormaney would continue to guide future Eagles to success.
“As a senior, it’s more of leaving, you know, having Cormaney for the next generation of kids coming up through Pine Creek and that’s important because I really feel like she’s taking the school in the right direction, she’s a great leader, a great principal,” said Caplan.
Currently, an online petition has been made and there are hundreds of signatures from community members.
As for Pine Creek High School students like Caplan, the past couple of days have been described as “missing something.”
“It definitely feels different,” said Caplan.
