Ronald Mumphery is well known in the Third Ward as the principal of a state championship basketball team. As principal of Yates High School, Mumphery shared in the accolades.
"I was really shocked, surprised," said parent Sheila Ben. "I don't know what's going on but I would like to know more about the situation."
Now Mumphery has a different notoriety. He was removed from campus Tuesday. The reason why has been confusing, with HISD issuing two different and vague statements. First they said the "allegations are surrounding professional development." Then, late Wednesday afternoon, another statement referred to "allegations of professional misconduct."
What either statement means is unknown. But longtime community members, such as the owner of Bobbie Que's on Scott Street, are worried about long-term implications. Bobby Patterson says people in this tight-knit community care about the future of their young people and what's best for the students.
"As a businessman, as an operator in the business community in the Third Ward, it's that the students receive the support that they need to have, because that's ultimately what it's all about," he said.
Mumphery was brought to Yates as a principal two years ago to help bring up the academic standing into a recognized status. That is something that hasn't happened yet. In the meantime, Mumphery has been reassigned off campus.
