Major Shake-Up at Chattanooga Preparatory School

Parents and educators discussing safety measures in a school setting

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News Summary

In a shocking turn of events, Chattanooga Preparatory School principal Diamond Kelley has resigned amid a serious controversy involving a former teacher. Kelley’s departure follows the indictment of Kenya White, a former instructor facing grave charges, including kidnapping. Concerns have risen over the school’s hiring practices and safety protocols, prompting calls for a formal investigation into their procedures. The situation has left parents and the community anxious about student safety and has revealed significant gaps in background checks required by law.

Breaking News: Major Shake-Up at Chattanooga Preparatory School

Chattanooga is buzzing with buzz as it grapples with a shocking development that has sent ripples through the local education community. Diamond Kelley, the principal of Chattanooga Preparatory School, has handed in her resignation, stepping down after being placed on administrative leave amidst a serious controversy involving a former teacher.

Resignation and Reactions

Kelley, who had been at the helm of Chatt Prep, announced her decision on March 6, 2025. Her resignation follows the indictment of Kenya White, a former teacher at the school, who faces multiple charges including kidnapping and solicitation of a minor. Kelley expressed feelings of hurt after her departure was prompted by such a scandal, emphasizing her commitment to maintaining a good reputation. She offered to waive any legal claims against the school provided they granted her a severance package, but the interim CEO, Micah Bess, denied this request, citing Kelley’s involvement in the situation.

The Alarming Allegations

The charges against White raise serious concerns about student safety in the community. He was indicted for inappropriate communications with minors, and it’s been revealed that he had a “disciplinary hold” on his file stemming from a previous investigation by the Department of Children’s Services while working at East Lake Academy. Alarmingly, internal communications uncovered that the HR Director at Chatt Prep had raised concerns regarding White’s record, yet the school proceeded with hiring him regardless.

Failure to Follow Protocols

Adding fuel to the fire, Chatt Prep has faced intense scrutiny for its failure to conduct proper background checks as mandated by Tennessee law. Reports indicate that the school did not log into the Department of Children’s Services system to conduct the necessary child abuse registry checks, which are critical for ensuring the safety of students. It’s also been confirmed by representatives from Hamilton County Schools that there were inadequate reference checks completed prior to White’s hiring.

Aftermath of the Scandal

Following Kelley’s resignation, Dr. Angelnetta Ulmer, the HR Director who had initially raised concerns about White, has also taken early retirement. This shift has only amplified calls for a formal investigation into the hiring practices at Chatt Prep, with at least one state lawmaker stepping in to demand answers. The issues surrounding White’s employment at Chatt Prep have prompted broader questions about the safety measures and hiring protocols in place at charter schools across the region.

The Bigger Picture

The repercussions of this incident extend far beyond just one principal and one teacher. The community is left to wonder about the effectiveness of current hiring practices and safety measures in schools. Parents and students alike are understandably anxious as the investigation continues. White remains in custody, facing not only the state charges but additional federal ones, making the future of this incident far from resolved.

As the dust settles on this unfolding situation, it’s clear that the ramifications of what happened at Chattanooga Preparatory School may have lasting impacts, not just on the individuals involved, but on trust in school safety and the hiring processes for educators in the area. Everyone is hoping for a thorough investigation that leads to improved practices, ensuring that such a scandal does not occur again in the future.