With the abrupt absence of East’s principal, Laura Bankowski, students and staff are left wondering where their leader has gone.

On Oct. 23, East families received an email from the district informing them that “Principal Bankowski is currently away from the building”. No other information regarding her whereabouts was shared. 

District 308 Chief Communications Officer Thersea Komitas elaborated on what “away from the building” means.

“Staff members may be away from the building for various personal or professional reasons. We respect the privacy of all students and staff, and specific reasons for an absence are not disclosed unless there is a safety concern or a situation that directly impacts students, staff, or families,” Komitas said.

In Bankowski’s absence, Assistant Principal Kurt Laakso is serving as the administrator on duty, filling any roles Bankowski would normally possess. Though he is currently assistant principal at East, he has previously served as a principal and district administrator during his 33 years in education. 

Laakso has seen the impact of Bankowski’s absence more than anyone else, and praises how gracefully East has adjusted to this transition. 

“I’m very proud of our building, very proud of our students and our staff for being able to focus on their day to day responsibilities and obligations while at the same time carrying concern for a leader who has shown tremendous devotion to this building over the years,” Laakso said.

While there has been no official timeline provided for when Bankowski was first deemed “away from the building”, her absence was first noticed when she did not attend the East vs. Oswego Crosstown football game on Oct. 17.

Senior punter for East Caden Bregar noticed Bankowski’s absence at the game, she is usually a familiar face before playing.

“Shes usually at every single game standing with all of the athletic directors,” Bregar said, “It was weird that she didn’t come for a big game like crosstown,”

With almost a week gap between Bankowski’s noticeable absence and any official communication from the district students and parents at East are feeling left in the dark, and want to be given more information from administrators about what is happening.

Parents have taken to social media to express their frustration about the lack of communication. The claims being made are complete speculation and have contributed to the development of numerous rumors about Bankowski’s whereabouts.

Students and staff at East have shown concern and support for Bankowski, even though they are unsure of where she is or the reasoning for her being out of the building.

On Friday, Oct. 24, students at East came together and wore all black as a silent homage to Bankowski. 

Senior Bella Kudla is worried about Bankowski’s absence and hopes to see her back in the building soon. 

“I’m concerned and confused about Mrs. Bankowski. I think she will be back soon, I can’t imagine she wouldn’t,” Kudla said.

Staff at East are also unsure about Bankowski’s absence, but are continuing to act as leaders for students and carry on in the classroom. On Oct. 3o, there was a noticeable increase of staff in the commons before first period. Students noticed this change and inquired. 

When questioned, each teacher who was present in the commons had the same answer. 

“Since an administrator is away from the building, we want to do our part to help supervise,” Staff said. 

District administration did not have a direct comment about the increase in staff supervision in the commons, but did say they anticipate that Principal Bankowski will return soon.

“That information will be communicated to the student body by your building leadership,” Komitas said.  

Currently, students and staff are left with little information on this subject and unclear timelines. The best that can be done at this time is to continue coming to school ready to learn and being flexible with administrators. 

At the time of publication, district 308 Superintendent Dr. Andalib Khelghati, Assistant Superintendent Dr. Kristin Campbell, Assistant Superintendent Dr. Ivette Dubiel did not respond to a request for an interview.

Written by senior Allie Heren. Edited by staff writers for Oswego East’s online news magazine The Howl.