Principal suspended over removal of 'spirit rock'

TRAVERSE CITY (AP) — A high school principal in northwest Michigan is fighting a five-day, unpaid suspension levied over accusations he lied to district administrators over removal of the school’s “spirit rock.”

The Record-Eagle reports that West Senior High School Principal Joe Esper was suspended, effective Monday, after a Traverse City Area Public Schools investigation determined he approved the removal.

Early in the investigation, he said he didn’t know what happened to the large, frequently-painted boulder.

District Superintendent Paul Soma also added a disciplinary letter to Esper’s personnel file. Soma says Esper authorized the rock’s burial onsite in July, but that he denied knowledge of its whereabouts.

Esper asked the district board to defer any discipline until he can meet with the group.

Board members haven’t confirmed if they’ll meet with Esper.