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Parents urge independent probe after alleged misconduct at Hale Middle School; board says criminal investigation under way
Summary
During public comment at the June 10 Manatee school board meeting parents described alleged sexual misconduct by a Hale Middle School staffer and asked the board to refer the case to the Florida Department of Law Enforcement. The board said a criminal investigation by the Manatee County Sheriff's Office is in progress and staff will report back.
Several parents used the public-comment period at the June 10 School Board of Manatee County meeting to describe serious allegations of sexual misconduct involving a faculty member at Hale Middle School and to call for an independent, external investigation.
Beverly Hernandez told the board her son received explicit messages from a staff member and that the principal and school administration failed to protect the student; she said the principal called her son a liar and that the principal did not report the matter to the Department of Children and Families as required. Hernandez said the teacher was not placed on administrative leave until two months had passed and asked the board to refer the matter to the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) for a full independent probe.
Another parent, speaking later, described separate incidents involving assaults on her son and said her family’s concerns had not been addressed by the principal. Commenters called for removal or accountability for administrators they said mishandled reporting and discipline.
District response: Interim Superintendent Kevin Chapman and board members acknowledged the seriousness of the allegations. Chapman confirmed a criminal investigation is under way; he told the board the Manatee County Sheriff's Office is conducting an investigation and that the district is reviewing the sequence of events and procedures followed. Chapman said the district would present the findings of administrative reviews and a report to the board and public when available.
Why it matters: The comments raise serious child-protection concerns and questions about the district's reporting and response practices. Speakers urged the board to ensure independent review and accountability for any failures to protect students.
Next steps: The board asked staff to coordinate with law enforcement, the Department of Children and Families and legal counsel; Chapman said the district would take time this summer to review policies and conduct additional leadership training with the sheriff's office and school leaders. Chapman said the board would receive updates once investigations and internal reviews are completed.
Ending: Commenters requested transparency and accountability; the board said it takes student safety seriously and that criminal and internal investigations are in progress.
