Butts County resident Philia Moody alleges mistreatment of family members and raises school‑safety concern

Philia Moody, a resident of Butts County’s District 2, told the Board of Education at its Sept. 10 meeting that members of her family have been “threatened” and mistreated by people in the school community and that school police dismissed a student who tried to report a possible shooting.

Moody spoke during the public comment period, saying she and her husband had been treated “like criminals” while trying to find out what led to the behavior, and that a school secretary had screamed at her husband during a phone call. She also said she witnessed school police “laugh and dismiss” a child who came forward with information about a possible shooting at a school.

The board chair interrupted Moody to remind speakers of the public‑comment rules and to ask that she not use employee names. The chair also read the public‑participation guidelines and noted that comments should avoid naming students or employees.

Moody had been listed on the agenda as "Miss Claudia Moody," but at the microphone she said, "My name is Philia Moody." The board did not record a formal response to Moody’s allegations during the public portion of the meeting.

The board subsequently moved to a closed session to discuss safety and security protocols, citing matters requiring confidential discussion. The public meeting minutes did not record further discussion or any disciplinary actions at the time the meeting adjourned to a private session.

At the meeting the chair and other board members limited public discussion of personnel or confidential matters and did not provide a public rebuttal to Moody’s statements. The board’s next public steps on the concerns Moody raised were not announced during the meeting.