The Cutter Morning Star School District remains mum on the suspension of two employees, but concerns about the decision have some parents asking questions about other matters.
Cutter Morning Star Elementary School Principal Jann Gibson and Kent Wasson, a coach and teacher, were placed on administrative leave pending an unspecified investigation on Oct. 11. The Sentinel-Record submitted a request under Arkansas' Freedom of Information Act for communications with employees about the situation.
Superintendent Nancy Anderson emailed employees and informed them of a meeting called for the evening of Oct. 11 for the elementary staff. The Cutter Morning Star School Board approved the hire of an administrative substitute in a special meeting earlier that evening.
"We were absolutely devastated and heartbroken," Ashley Holmes, the parent of a student at the elementary school, said Tuesday. "Just an inference that she would be someone that would hurt children just makes me sick to my stomach. And the same for coach Wasson."
Parents, teachers and members of the community have shown support for Gibson since she was suspended. About two dozen guests wore shirts with the hashtag #standwithjann during Monday's board meeting.
About 60 guests attended the meeting Monday evening. The meeting included the district's annual report to the public, which lasted about an hour and 40 minutes.
The agenda for the regular meeting showed "No report" on personnel and Anderson quickly stated the same. All items on the regular meeting agenda were addressed within five minutes.
The annual report included presentations by various administrators and school personnel, including Terry Lawler, who was hired as a short-term replacement for Gibson. Lawler retired in January as principal of Langston Aerospace and Environmental Studies Magnet School in the Hot Springs School District.
"I want to tell you it is my privilege to be able to give the elementary report tonight and I want to thank Dr. Anderson and the board," Lawler said. "I want to thank the amazing staff at the elementary school for all of the hard work they have done since I have been here, welcoming me, supporting our students and being about teaching and learning.
"That is what I know we all want to be about. I just wanted to say thank you for the privilege of whatever time I have working with you."
The decision to suspend Gibson and Wasson was made by the district's administration and did not require board action, according to Anderson. Cody Kees, an attorney with the Bequette & Billingsley law firm in Little Rock, said the district cooperates with all state agencies. Bequette & Billingsley represents the district.
Kees said principals and teachers are covered under the Arkansas Teacher Fair Dismissal Act of 1983. Employees have the option to hold an open or closed hearing if the superintendent recommends the termination of their contract.
"I do not want to imply any wrongdoing on any employee, but whenever we get a report of a possible violation of district policies, we take immediate action for the safety of our staff and students," Kees said.
Kees said board members are not given information about the personnel matters until a decision is needed. He said speaking about the situation otherwise would be unfair to the employees.
"It would be inappropriate to comment on the ongoing investigation or the status because she is not here to make her defense, if one is even necessary," Kees said.
Kees said he expects Anderson to make a recommendation on the two employees this week.
The lack of information from Anderson and the board has frustrated some parents. Holmes said parents began to organize in support of Gibson, but are now concerned about the district's leadership and handling of financial matters.
Holmes said she is a certified teacher and worked as a substitute at the elementary school earlier this year. She said she heard complaints from staff members and concerns about ethics.
"I almost feel like Jann has been treated as guilty until proven innocent," Holmes said.
Holmes said parents reached out to a former employee of the district for advice on how to approach the matter, but Anderson allegedly denied requests for parents to be placed on the agenda for the board meetings. Some parents now question the district's turnover rate and ability to handle funds generated by a millage increase approved by voters in September.
"It doesn't look good, it doesn't smell good, people can't answer questions and we're not even talking about all of the financial stuff that happened in the board meeting that was insane and crazy," Holmes said. "It's almost like we've opened Pandora's box and we can't shut it."
Local on 11/01/2017