Parents urge Parma board to reopen probe after investigator finds "unprofessional" conduct by Greenbrier teacher
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Summary
Superintendent Dr. Hunt addressed the meeting to summarize an outside investigation into allegations involving a Greenbrier Middle School teacher, saying the investigator found unprofessional conduct but did not substantiate a harassment policy violation.
Superintendent Dr. Hunt addressed the meeting at the start of public participation to summarize the district’s handling of allegations involving a Greenbrier Middle School teacher. Dr. Hunt said the district retained an outside investigator and received the report in August; the investigator "did not substantiate a violation of district policy that addresses harassment," but it found evidence of "unprofessional and inappropriate conduct." The teacher remains on leave, Dr. Hunt said, and the district reported the matter to the state licensing authority and is reviewing its protocols and the handling of student complaints.
Several residents asked the board to revisit the matter and to apply harassment policy 5517. Vicky Carson, who identified herself and gave her address, told the board that three girls had stepped forward and described behavior she said included repeated, gender‑targeted physical contact and that at least one report was not filed immediately. "These girls were harmed, and they were not protected," Carson said. She urged the board to "reopen this case and apply policy 5517 as it is written."
A student speaker described repeated sexist comments by a health teacher and said her emailed complaint received no timely administrative response. "Students deserve to be treated with respect," she said, adding that administrators showed "no urgency or care addressing the issue."
Hillary Jackson of Moms for Liberty Cuyahoga told the board the district’s handling of complaints had been "disgraceful" and called for the resignation of the teacher, the Greenbrier principal and the dean, and for accountability from the board. A former board member, Kevin Small, urged the board to restore a long‑standing practice of allowing board members‑elect to attend executive sessions; board counsel advised that admitting those not covered by attorney‑client privilege can risk waiving that privilege.
During the public‑comment period, speakers repeatedly asked the board to show the students they had been heard and to prioritize student safety above convenience or institutional protection. Following public comment the board voted to adopt a resolution restricting executive‑session attendance to current active board members and then voted to enter executive session to discuss personnel matters and complaints. The board recorded that no votes on personnel matters were taken in executive session and that executive‑session matters remain confidential under Ohio law.
Direct quotes in this article come from speakers recorded in the meeting transcript; at the meeting Dr. Hunt and multiple parents emphasized the district is reviewing its processes for mandatory reporting and student supports.
