Concerns Rise Over Chattanooga Prep Teacher’s Legal Troubles

School board members discussing safety measures

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News Summary

The Knox County Board of Education is addressing concerns after a Chattanooga Prep Academy teacher was arrested on serious charges, including sexual exploitation of a minor. The situation raises questions about the school’s hiring practices, given that the teacher had prior issues with his licensing and a history of investigation. Following these events, Chattanooga Prep is reviewing its HR processes and background check protocols to ensure the safety of students.

Concerns Rise Over Chattanooga Prep Teacher’s Legal Troubles

In a small yet bustling city known as Knoxville, the local education scene is buzzing with concern after recent events involving a former teacher from Chattanooga Prep Academy. The Knox County Board of Education has expressed serious apprehensions regarding the actions taken in hiring a teacher who has found himself in deeply troubling circumstances related to federal investigation for sex crimes.

Background of the Case

In early February 2023, the teacher in question, Kenya White, faced arrest on multiple charges, which included sexual exploitation of a minor and kidnapping. Just a month later, he was arrested again in March, with even more serious federal charges piling on—namely, enticement of a minor and exploitation of a minor. A shocking twist in this ongoing saga reveals that records demonstrate Chattanooga Prep was aware of a disciplinary hold on White’s file stemming from a previous investigation by the Department of Children’s Services at the time they made the decision to hire him.

A Chain of Events

Adding another layer of complexity to this situation, White had already been placed on unpaid leave by Hamilton County Schools in early 2023, indicating there were red flags about his conduct long before his employment at Chattanooga Prep. As the investigation gained traction, the principal of Chattanooga Prep, Diamond Kelley, found herself on leave and subsequently resigned on March 6, raising eyebrows and questions among school board officials.

Voices from the School Board

Members of the Knox County School Board are understandably worried. Even though some officials, such as Anne Templeton, were not part of the board when Knox Prep was approved, they are now digging deeper into how this situation occurred. The investigation has left many scratching their heads, especially given that the school’s hiring practices seemed to have ignored significant warning signs.

Of the board members reached out to, only three provided responses, none of which offered any major insights into the situation. However, board member Katherine Bike, who did not vote in favor of the school’s approval, expressed her shock and called for a thorough review of teacher licensure at Knox Prep.

Clarifications from Knox County Schools

Knox County Schools has clarified their role, stating that while they act as the authorizing body for Knox Prep, they do not handle hiring or background checks for teachers at charter schools. However, Micah Bess, the interim CEO of Prep Public Schools, has stepped in to reassure parents that all personnel hired at Knox Prep undergo rigorous background checks.

Looking Ahead: Safety Measures and Protocols

In light of these alarming events, Chattanooga Prep is taking strides to resolve the issues at hand. The school is collaborating with an outside firm to scrutinize its human resources processes and to evaluate the protocols surrounding background checks. One of the critical discussions revolves around how White was hired in the first place, despite the fact that he lacked an active teaching license and was already under investigation.

The Road Forward

Despite having his contract not renewed at Hamilton County School, White managed to secure employment at Chattanooga Prep, initially as an English teacher before being reclassified as an academic tutor. Now, as his new federal case remains sealed, it leaves many in the community pondering the identity of the alleged victim and whether or not it pertains to earlier allegations.

A grand jury is set to convene shortly to determine potential indictments flowing from White’s arrest, and he remains in custody as the legal proceedings unfold. This series of events has certainly put Knox Prep under the spotlight, and it stands to reason that significant changes may be on the horizon to ensure the safety of students and uphold the integrity of the educational system.