Southampton Assistant Principal Who Appeared in Hip-Hop Music Video Reassigned to New Duties

Southampton High School assistant principal Esther Adler-O’Keefe, who appeared in a hip-hop music video released last month, has been reassigned to new duties and will be taking on new responsibilities in the district, the Southampton School District has announced.

Starting next Monday, Oct. 19, Adler-O’Keefe will “oversee a variety of academic support services throughout the district,” Superintendent Scott Farina wrote in an e-mail to parents and guardians.

Adler-O’Keefe made a brief appearance in the music video for the song ”Best Friends” by rapper J.R. featuring popular artist Trey Songz.

She told 27east that she was unaware of the “content, lyrics, and title of the video and song” when she agreed to be in it, but has still received criticism from school officials.

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“The video in question showcases behaviors and language use that is not promoted by the Southampton School District,” Superintendent Dr. Scott Farina told 27east. “In fact, we actively teach our students the importance of good character and making smart choices. Additionally, this is not representative of who we are as a district, nor of our students and staff.”

Adler-O’Keefe appears only in the beginning and the end of the music video, playing a woman who leaves her house with J.R. while she goes away with her husband.

During their absence, J.R. hosts a party with women, drugs and alcohol until they return at the end of the video to find a mess and people sleeping with alcohol and drugs all around the house.

Adler-O’Keefe only says six words in the entire video: “Enjoy yourself. Just remember, security’s here.”

Susan Wright, who previously worked for eight years as assistant principal of the intermediate school and for two years as assistant principal of the elementary school will be taking over as assistant principal of the high school, according to the superintendent’s e-mail.

“Ms. Wright brings with her a wealth of educational knowledge and experience, as well as familiarity with our students and our community. During her years at the intermediate school, she worked to create an environment of collaboration between staff, students and teachers,” the e-mail reads. “One of her efforts was the institution of Capturing Kids Hearts, a program that focuses on the importance of building relationships. She will continue to serve the students at the High School with the same hands-on, collaborative philosophy she has always held.”

The school district is also looking to replace Wright’s position as intermediate school assistant principal with a full-time dean of students.

“In the interim, the district’s leadership team, including Dr. Dyno, Mr. Delgado and Mr. Frazier, will handle the duties of the intermediate school assistant principal,” Farina wrote in the e-mail.

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