Ithaca’s school district announced a replacement for Northeast Elementary School Principal Liddy Coyle on Tuesday. Coyle's sudden departure has been the subject of numerous protests.
Superintendent Luvelle Brown said district Athletic Director Samantha Little will serve as the interim principal at Northeast Elementary School.
"She's going to be athletic director, but she's going to be primarily supporting Northeast Elementary School for the foreseeable future, until we can find a permanent principal," Brown said at a school board meeting on Tuesday night.
Teachers and parents at the school said Coyle abruptly left her position weeks before the end of the school year, and the district has given little explanation as to why.
Teachers and parents at the rallies praised Coyle and demanded answers from the district. Some allege Coyle’s disappearance was an act of retaliation for alleged criticism of Superintendent Luvelle Brown.
Luvelle Brown's ex-wife, Anjanette Brown said the superintendent's two children attend Northeast Elementary School. Anjanette Brown alleges her ex-husband abused his power as superintendent to sway a custody battle. Property records show Luvelle Brownowns a home within the jurisdiction of the school.
The district did not respond to WSKG's multiple requests for comment.