Chattanooga Preparatory School Under Investigation Amidst Scandal

Community members discussing concerns about Chattanooga Preparatory School safety

Article Sponsored by:

SPACE AVAILABLE FOR SPONSORS!

Want to target the right audience? Sponsor our site and choose your specific industry to connect with a relevant audience.

What Sponsors Receive:

Prominent brand mentions across targeted, industry-focused articles
High-visibility placements that speak directly to an engaged local audience
Guaranteed coverage that maximizes exposure and reinforces your brand presence

Interested in seeing what sponsored content looks like on our platform?

Browse Examples of Sponsored News and Articles:

May’s Roofing & Contracting
Forwal Construction
NSC Clips
Real Internet Sales
Suited
Florida4Golf

Click the button below to sponsor our articles:

Sponsor Our Articles

News Summary

Chattanooga Preparatory School is facing a significant investigation after the arrest of former teacher Kenya White on serious charges, including sexual exploitation of a minor. This incident follows a two-year investigation led by the Department of Children’s Services. The scandal has resulted in major turmoil within the school’s leadership, raising concerns about hiring practices and student safety. Community reactions have led to calls for stricter oversight and accountability in school hiring practices. The school is now working to improve its HR processes, but the community remains anxious about the implications of the incident.

Concern Grows as Chattanooga Preparatory School Faces Investigation

Chattanooga is buzzing with chatter as the local community grapples with a shocking arrest that has put the spotlight on Chattanooga Preparatory School. The school’s former teacher, Kenya White, found himself in serious trouble after being arrested in February 2025 on various charges, including sexual exploitation of a minor, solicitation of a minor, and even kidnapping.

A Long-standing Investigation

This incident didn’t happen overnight; it was the culmination of a two-year investigation led by the Department of Children’s Services (DCS). White previously taught at East Lake Academy, where he faced his own set of investigative troubles back in February 2023, resulting in a suspension. It’s troubling to think that, despite these past issues, White was later employed by Chattanooga Prep.

Leadership Turmoil

As the scandal unfolded, it led to significant upheaval within the school’s leadership. The former principal, Diamond Kelley, was placed on administrative leave and eventually resigned amidst the growing controversy. In her resignation letter, she requested severance pay and made it clear that she would not pursue any legal claims against the school. However, the interim CEO, Micah Bess, denied her request, signaling some tension behind the scenes.

Hiring Practices Under Scrutiny

Compounding the drama, internal emails revealed that Chattanooga Preparatory School was aware of White’s disciplinary hold from the DCS during the hiring process but decided to move forward and hire him anyway. This raises serious questions about the school’s hiring practices and their commitment to student safety. According to Tennessee law, schools are required to conduct background checks through the DCS, yet it appears Chattanooga Prep was not equipped to do so.

Fallout and Further Investigations

Following the arrest, Dr. Angelnetta Ulmer, the school’s HR coordinator, chose to retire early, stating that the ongoing situation involving White played a significant role in her decision. Meanwhile, representatives from the local government, including Tennessee Representative John Ray Clemmons, have called for a state investigation into the school’s hiring practices to ensure safety for all students.

Ongoing Concerns

As if the situation couldn’t get more alarming, White is now facing additional federal charges of enticement of a minor and further exploitation of a minor following a second arrest. Local authorities are actively investigating for any potential further victims, which is a terrifying thought for families in the Chattanooga area.

Chattanooga Prep’s Response

In light of these events, Chattanooga Preparatory School has stated that they are taking immediate action to improve their HR processes. This includes hiring an independent firm to review their internal hiring practices to prevent such a crisis from ever happening again. However, it remains to be seen how effective these efforts will be in the long term.

Wider Community Reactions

The community is understandably shaken, with both school board members and local officials expressing serious concerns about the situation. Many are calling for stricter oversight and accountability in school hiring practices to protect the children in their care. Parents and community members are left wondering how such a breach of trust could happen and what measures can be put in place to prevent it in the future.

Stay tuned as this story develops and more information comes to light about the ongoing investigations and what steps will be taken moving forward. The safety of the students at Chattanooga Preparatory School must be a top priority, and the community will undoubtedly be keeping a close eye on how the school addresses these critical issues.