A fight at a middle school football game was a main topic of discussion during the Oct. 6 meeting of the Russell County School Board.
Ashlee Osburn addressed the board concerning the altercation that involved individuals from Castlewood. Osburn said a mother involved in the incident was reportedly told by school officials that she can no longer attend school activities. The mother in question reported that she had been assaulted and was confused as to why she was punished.
“A parent should not have to guess why she is being excluded from her child’s activities,” Osburn stated. She added that there is a concern among parents that certain families are singled out because they speak out on issues that concern them.
Osburn asked for an impartial review of the incident with all evidence preserved and closely examined. She said a written explanation of discipline needs to be provided, as well as a process to appeal the decision.
She also asked for a clear plan on how the school system should respond to similar situations and assurance that individuals will not be singled out for retaliation for voicing their opinions on school issues.
“As a board, we will ask Dr. Hooker to get with her administrators and get this addressed,” stated board chair Cynthia Compton.
District 2 member Kip Parsons added, “We do have rules that if you throw a fist you will be suspended.” He went on to say that he was suspended for fighting when he was on the CHS football team.
In other news from the meeting, Lebanon Elementary School’s Jennifer Gualdin was recognized as Employee of the Month.
Teacher of the Month honors went to Mike Wilson, an instructor at the Russell County Career and Technology Center.
Members of Lebanon High School’s Future Business Leaders of America state competition winners were also honored. Brock Keen, Alexis Hamilton and Colt Robert all placed second in their respective categories of impromptu speaking, career portfolio and public speaking.
The board also recognized Sgt. Diane White for being named the Youth of Virginia Speak Out School Resource Officer of the Year.
