Parents, teachers and school board members want answers from the Higley Unified School District.

They say there’s been a lack of transparency regarding the sudden departure of one of its principals.

Power Ranch Elementary Principal Chris Reuter left abruptly earlier this month, and parents say they were never told why. That led to speculation on social media that his resignation was related to criminal charges filed against another staff member for possible misconduct with a student. 

Students, parents and staff members protested at the school last week, demanding answers. The district then sent a letter to families clarifying that the criminal investigation was not related to the resignation.

Families packed a recent school board meeting to show their support for the principal, who has been at the school for more than a decade.

The school district has yet to provide any more details about his departure but insists the decision was mutual.