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Residents press Prince George school board for transparency after allegations involving retired administrator
Summary
Multiple public commenters urged the Prince George County School Board to adopt stronger transparency and whistleblower protections after renewed allegations against a retired assistant superintendent; the board discussed FOIA procedures and asked staff to draft a policy proposal.
Several residents used the board’s public-comment period on Aug. 12 to press the Prince George County School Board and administration for accountability and transparency following renewed allegations involving a retired assistant superintendent.
Jean Shanks delivered a timeline of allegations and an active state police investigation, saying in part, “This man was in our division for over 40 years,” and urging the board to create safe reporting avenues for victims. Jim Quest urged the board to adopt a formal statement and create an office focused on “integrity, accountability, transparency,” and to protect whistleblowers. Justin Noblin described a disciplinary hearing involving his son, saying his son “was sent to project choice on a 1st offense,” and criticized allowing the accused’s relative to attend and participate in that hearing.
Board members responded in brief. Mrs. Christ said she would “do everything in my power to ensure that our division is abiding by those policies” and to hold people accountable; Ms. Taylor urged community members to report concerns and reminded the public of an existing hotline. Superintendent Dr. Cox said staff were continuing to work with law enforcement and would follow up on specific funding and process questions raised at the meeting.
The board spent substantial time discussing whether FOIA requests should be routinely copied to all board members. Mrs. Christ said she was unclear why she was required to take FOIA training if she is not routinely included in request responses; other members asked whether the change belongs in policy or procedure. Dr. Cox told the board, “If that's what y'all would like to do, we can make that happen for you,” and the board asked Stacy Haney or staff to draft proposed language outlining how FOIA requests and related legal advice would be shared with the board for consideration at a future meeting.
No disciplinary findings or personnel actions were announced during open session; the board had handled several legal matters in closed session earlier in the meeting and certified that closed-session discussions were limited to agenda items when it returned to open session.
