The Neelyville School Board convened Thursday night, focusing on growing concerns expressed by parents about privacy matters. It included an apology from a board member regarding social media posts the public described as “derogatory.”
Members of the public spoke during the meeting about information they said was shared by board members through social media, and about verbal communication outside of school and official meetings.
During the meeting, Superintendent Heather Black reported receiving four requests from the public, staff and students to address these concerns.
Social media actions
A representative of the Classroom Teachers Association presented an agenda item titled “Social Media and Vengeful Actions” before the board. The CTA representative conveyed teachers’ concerns, stating that the association aimed to collaborate with the board in building a stronger school community. The representative said certain board members had continuously targeted teachers and cited an example of a Facebook post by board member Bob Burgett. According to the representative, the post acknowledged the importance of professional disagreements and discouraged personal attacks, but concluded with the remark “grow up.”
The post, according to the representative, also included a picture of Hurley Bill, implying that military experience rendered hurtful language inconsequential. The CTA representative went on to question the purpose of the post, asserting that it only served to degrade teachers.
The representative asked for support from the board rather than “derogatory” social media posts, but also acknowledged not all board members were involved in those actions.
The representative requested all board members treat district staff members with respect and work together to resolve issues, urging them to refrain from attacking teachers on social media.
Athletics
Preston Goodnight, a recent Neelyville graduate and valedictorian, also wrote a letter focusing on student-teacher relations and athletics. Goodnight emphasized the importance of accountability and shared personal experiences of academic and athletic growth under the guidance of Neelyville’s coaches and teachers.
He urged those in attendance and in board positions to consider the positive impact of strict teachers and coaches on their children’s development.
“These amazing workers are attempting to draw out the best version of their students possible,” wrote Goodnight. “As a two-sport athlete, I was led by six different coaches during the course of my high school career. I’d now like to remind those in attendance of our district’s motto, ‘Together inspiring growth, ensuring repeated success.’”
Goodnight closed by calling on the board to make decisions that prioritize the performance and well-being of students.
Parent concerns
During the meeting, concerned parent Jennifer Smith also took the opportunity to address the board regarding privacy matters related to special education. Smith raised what she said were “serious” concerns about a board member she said had openly discussed private education information in a public setting, stating it constituted a significant violation of a student’s privacy rights. She further expressed apprehension about potential discussions held privately saying, “To think, that we have school board members who openly discuss private education information in a public setting with no issue. Just imagine what they say behind closed doors.”
Former student Lauren Crossen shared a statement praising the support she had received from a specific school administrator. Crossen highlighted the instrumental role played by administrators, coaches and teachers in her life, offering guidance and fostering personal growth during challenging times.
“I remember the day that I let a certain administrator in like it was yesterday. I got called into the office and he just said, ‘What is going on?’ and without hesitation, I told him. From then on, this administrator took me under his wing as best as best he could. He helped me strive to be the best person that I could be. When I felt bitter, he reminded me of kindness, and to be kind. ... He even offered his home to me if I was ever in dire need. ... All that mattered was that I was safe,” she read.
CPS
Additional allegations surfaced concerning a phone call made to Child Protective Services about an alleged aggressive incident involving a member of administrative staff. Many attendees attributed the call to Burgett based on another social media post they said he made, displaying the hotline number for reporting child abuse. Burgett denied the allegation but issued a formal apology for other social media posts, addressing those present.
Burgett stated, “I can see how social media can be misconstrued. As a community, we work together and we hear points of views and we talk things out. I hope you’re big enough to accept my apology. Take this as a sincere apology. Our teachers and nurses play vital roles in shaping the next generation, and their efforts deserve recognition.”
Burgett went on to explain his handling of the situation stemmed from his military background and problem-solving mindset.
“I felt kind of embarrassed when the MSTA read it, and I don’t know, who else do I need to say I am sorry to?” replied Burgett.
Several attendees responded to that question by naming the administrator visited by CPS.
The meeting grew heated at times between attendees, school staff members and board members. Approximately 60 members of the public attended the meeting, which was moved to the school cafeteria due to the size of the crowd. The board adjourned the public session and moved into a closed session.