News Summary
Chattanooga Preparatory School is under scrutiny after an investigation revealed that nearly half of its teachers are unlicensed. With Hamilton County Schools moving to revoke its charter, parents express concerns over educational quality and safety. The principal’s resignation and state investigations raise further alarm, compelling the school to take urgent steps to rectify hiring practices and restore parent confidence. A vote on the school’s future is scheduled for April 17th, as the Chattanooga community anxiously anticipates resolutions to ensure their children’s education.
Chattanooga Preparatory School Faces Charter Challenges Amid Teacher Licensing Fiasco
In the heart of Chattanooga, a storm is brewing at Chattanooga Preparatory School, where the spotlight is firmly on its teacher licensing practices. An alarming investigation has revealed that nearly half of the school’s educators are reportedly unlicensed, igniting serious concerns regarding the quality of education and safety for students.
Hamilton County Schools, recognizing these troubling revelations, have initiated the formal process of revoking Chatt Prep’s charter. The shocking statistics indicate that 21 out of 45 teachers lack the necessary licenses, and many of them are teaching without proper waivers or permits. With a decisive School Board vote on the matter scheduled for April 17th, the future of the charter school hangs in the balance.
Background Check Blunders and Shocking Arrests
A recent audit of the school exposed a significant lapse in the hiring protocol: it never utilized the required background check system for prospective employees as mandated by the Department of Children’s Services. This startling oversight only intensified scrutiny surrounding the school, especially in light of a tragic incident earlier this year.
Former teacher Kenya White was arrested in February 2025 on multiple charges, including sexual exploitation of a minor. This serious situation prompted a thorough investigation into Chatt Prep’s hiring practices and raised alarming questions about how individuals like White could slip through the cracks when it comes to background checks.
Leadership Shakeup and Parental Concerns
Following the audit findings, Principal Diamond Kelley has resigned, and Dr. Angelnetta Ulmer, the HR Director, has chosen to retire early, indicating a significant shakeup in the school’s administration. Parents have voiced their frustration during recent meetings, feeling left in the dark about the school’s future and the educational well-being of their children.
Many parents are understandably worried about the potential closure of Chatt Prep, especially for seniors who are gearing up for graduation. The thought of disrupted education is causing a wave of anxiety among families who have placed their trust in the school’s ability to provide a quality education.
State Investigations and Assurance for Students
Tennessee Representative John Clemmons has called for a thorough state investigation into how Kenya White was employed without the appropriate checks in place. In the wake of these issues, the school administration is not sitting idly by. They have enlisted a human resources firm to review and refine their hiring policies, aiming to restore parent confidence in their operational practices.
To further assuage fears, Hamilton County Schools is committed to verifying senior credits to ensure that students won’t face graduation hurdles as a result of the ongoing turmoil. Statements from the Tennessee Charter School Center suggest that there’s no legal barrier preventing students from graduating solely based on teacher licensure status, providing some relief to anxious parents.
Looking Ahead: Recruitment Efforts
As the school navigates this challenging period, it has launched an attractive recruiting bonus of up to $5,000 for licensed teachers to bolster its staff with the right candidates moving forward. School founders Ted and Kelly Alling have made public appearances to discuss these issues with parents, aiming to communicate their commitment to transparency.
The newly appointed interim CEO, Micah Bess, has assured all stakeholders that the school is actively cooperating with Hamilton County Schools to meet state requirements. Yet, as the community grapples with the fallout of these incidents, lingering questions remain about the application process for charter schools and what measures will be put in place to prevent such issues from arising in the future.
A Community on Edge
Chattanooga finds itself in the midst of a significant educational crisis, with the future of Chattanooga Preparatory School and its students at a crossroads. As families brace themselves for the upcoming vote on the charter, it’s clear that the community is striving for a resolution that ensures their children receive the education they deserve.
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Additional Resources
- NewsChannel 9
- Local 3 News
- Times Free Press
- NewsChannel 9
- Local 3 News
- Wikipedia: Chattanooga Preparatory School
- Google Search: Chattanooga Prep School
- Google Scholar: Chattanooga Preparatory School
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Chattanooga Preparatory School
- Google News: Chattanooga Preparatory School
