Parents demand independent review after allegations at Angling Road Elementary

Dozens of parents, current and former employees and community members used the board's public-comment period to demand action and transparency after an incident at Angling Road Elementary that speakers said involved staff misconduct and inadequate district responses.

Anne Bujala, an Engling Road parent, told the board she is “deeply disappointed” and urged trustees to “take these concerns seriously” after what she described as repeated leadership failures and the recent resignation of a valued teacher, Marsha Moore. Michelle Helner, a Woodland teacher and parent of a medically complex child, urged the board to restore building nurses, saying the district’s recent cuts have left life‑threatening medical duties to untrained staff: “We need to invest in medical staff in order to keep our students safe,” Helner said.

Several parents gave firsthand accounts of the incident at Angling Road. Rebecca Lehto, who said she was the only staff member present during one episode, told trustees she witnessed a 7‑year‑old hit the principal and said the principal “hit the child back and said, ‘Don't you hit me.’” Lehto said she reported the event as a mandated reporter and called on the board to reopen the matter and investigate “properly.”

Former teacher Ashley Brown criticized an earlier district message that described community concerns as “unsubstantiated rumors,” saying that a family had filed a police report and a mandated reporter had submitted statements to law enforcement: “These are not rumors,” Brown said, and asked the board for an independent review, a public accounting of how the district characterized the reports, and a review of administrative‑leave policy during active investigations.

A parent who identified herself as the child’s mother, Savannah Babcock, said her second‑grade daughter was assaulted and described both physical and emotional harm, saying she has begun legal proceedings. Multiple speakers — including Danielle Morrison and Shantel Johnson — described persistent classroom disruption, teacher departures and a culture that they said leaves teachers unsupported and students at risk.

Superintendent Edwards told the board that Portage Public Safety completed an investigation and forwarded the case to the prosecutor’s office; he said charges were denied and the district’s internal review found staff response consistent with policy. Several speakers disputed the district's public characterization and pushed for fuller disclosure. Several parents said teachers and nurses who trained staff on seizure care and other medical responses have left, increasing the burden and liability for remaining staff.

Trustees acknowledged the complaints and said they hear the community’s concerns. Multiple board members said they will pursue targeted monitoring reports about Angling Road and consider increased public reporting on that school, while noting that some personnel and investigative matters must be handled in closed session. Board members encouraged those with documentation and formal complaints to share materials with the board and superintendent.

What happens next: multiple speakers asked for specific actions — an independent investigation, a public accounting of district communications, a review of administrative‑leave practice during active investigations, immediate implementation of exit interviews and a review of hiring practices for administrators. The board agreed to pursue additional monitoring and reporting and to follow up in the coming weeks.