Resident alleges hostile environment; board hears that two investigations found no findings and asks finance staff to study Martinsville TIF impact

A Monroe‑Gregg resident told the board that a hostile environment in the high school had prompted student transfers, including two National Honor Society students.

"There was a hostile environment created in the school that was reported...and they let it fester on," said Andy Tower, who gave his address during public comment and said families were choosing to transfer out of the district.

Board members responded by noting the district conducted two separate investigations into allegations. An administrator told the board the investigations — which interviewed many witnesses — returned no findings of wrongdoing. When asked who could see those reports, administration said investigations that produce findings and action become public records; investigations with no findings are not public records, though the board may review materials confidentially under existing policy and appeal procedures.

Separately, a board member asked business staff (Mr. Blacklock) to produce a financial assessment of how a Martinsville tax-increment financing (TIF) decision could affect district revenue. The board was told administration had begun looking into the possible effects but also noted the district does not vote on the redevelopment decision itself; board members debated whether and how much assessed value the district might not capture if redevelopment proceeds under TIF.

The transcript records strong emotion from multiple board members about the loss of students and the effect on athletics, with several describing the situation as disappointing and lamenting the community impact. No board action (such as reopening an investigation or taking disciplinary steps) is recorded in the transcript; the public record of investigations remains subject to public‑records rules tied to whether findings were produced.