Teacher reinstated to his post

An Estancia High School teacher who went on unexplained administrative leave a week and a half ago, inciting public protests by students who demanded a reason for his absence, returned to his job Monday.

Bob Sterling, who teaches the AVID college-preparatory program at Estancia, abruptly went on leave and had his classes taken over by a long-term substitute.

District and school officials declined to comment about the issue, calling it a private personnel matter, but Sterling’s students protested outside the school every morning last week, displaying signs demanding his reinstatement.

Sterling said Tuesday that the school had put him on leave because of an e-mail he sent to the teachers union, the district and Estancia leaders criticizing the school’s operations, and he denounced the school for removing him from the classroom over what he said was not a student-related matter.

“I am outraged,” Sterling said. “Teachers are only removed from the classroom if there is concern for student safety. This issue has absolutely nothing to do with students at all.”

Estancia Principal Phil D’Agostino declined comment on the e-mail or the reasons for Sterling’s absence, but said he was happy the matter had been resolved.

“He’s back at work, and we’re glad to have him back,” D’Agostino said.

Every morning last week, as many as 40 Estancia students and former students picketed outside the school on Placentia Avenue, some wearing T-shirts that read, “Where’s Bob?” and drawing honks from passing motorists.

Maegan Aronson, a senior who took part in the demonstrations, said she and classmates were relieved when Sterling returned.

“He wasn’t really allowed to say anything about the matter, but he just showed up and we all hugged him, and he said, ‘Thank you so much,’ ” Maegan, 17, said.

She added that whatever may have passed between Sterling and the district, the format of the AVID class was the same as before he left.

Sterling said he was heartened by the show of support among many students and parents, particularly the graduates who came back to join the demonstrations.

He noted that Friday, his wife had visited the students protesting outside Estancia and gotten hugs from all of them.

“I’m proud of the kids,” Sterling said. “I appreciate the e-mails from parents and kids and graduates who were out there picketing on the streets. These are kids who have been out [of Estancia] five years.”

MICHAEL MILLER may be reached at (714) 966-4617 or at michael.miller@latimes.com.