For over a decade, people have been telling the same stories about WCCS: 

Ex-teachers and staff haunted by what they witnessed and traumatized by the bullying they received
Children in therapy for “school-based trauma,” or growing into adults dealing with feelings of depression or inadequacy because a school administrator told them they were a waste of time 
Reports of a school board that ignores the issues
A corruption in the upper chain that protects the perpetrators and silences the victims by weaponing CPS or using their leashed lawyer to threaten families and former staff into silence

Most of these accounts involve children with some capacity of disability—children less able to advocate for themselves.

Parent Kelli Ferguson says, “It is disheartening that the officials we are supposed to trust with our children's physical, mental, and emotional well-being are taking advantage of it and the parents of this community are tired of [complaints] falling on deaf ears. The parents of this community, including myself, are demanding that those same individuals who are sweeping it under the table time and time again are held accountable for their actions!” 

From parent Stephanie Wilson: My son was personally victimized by the people in authority within the school. He had finger-shaped bruises from being held down by those meant to protect him and was left in solitary confinement for unsupervised hours, where he covered his arms in bite marks in distress. The school covered up the facts, refused to communicate with us, and punished our son for infractions without any proof of guilt or several days after the fact. Sometimes we weren’t even aware of what was going on until we saw the physical marks because he didn’t know how to put into words what was happening.

When we followed the policy as outlined by the school board we were met with many roadblocks. The superintendent was clearly biased and avoided looking into the allegations, and other parents have attested that the prior superintendent did the same when other abuse against students was alleged years ago. The school board has been advised of this and other issues repeatedly…and ignored them. 

When I was told that the principal would no longer speak with me without the school's attorney present, we ultimately opted to pull our children out of school completely because at that point it was no longer safe for them if they would not communicate with me about the welfare of my children. I had to quit my dream job, leaving a sudden vacancy with my employer. This meant our family had to adapt to being a one income family, not to mention the substantial medical bills that we started to acquire for our son's therapy in treating the “school-based trauma” he received.

I am not doing this for me or any personal agenda; my children are safe now. I am doing this because all the children of Whitley County deserve better. They deserve to feel safe and cared for at school, as this will enhance the learning and development of young minds and impact our whole community for the better. 

Inequity and corruption in schools can deeply affect students' mental health. According to a study by the American Psychological Association, students who perceive unfairness from school authorities show higher stress levels and lower educational outcomes (American Psychological Association, 2011). This is not the future we want for our children. 

Our schools should be pillars of trust and growth, not breeding grounds for corruption and negligence. It's time to hold the perpetrators accountable and ensure a safer, fairer educational environment for our children. Please sign this petition and demand the desired change in our school system.

I have said many times, "People who live their life full of respect, integrity, honesty, trustworthiness, and are morally and ethically sound do not hide from simple questions. People who are mean, wrong, dishonest, guilty, disrespectful, manipulative, condescending, narcissistic, and bully, hide from the truth, lie, and avoid all contact and questions.”

In closing:

A petition went around a few years ago with over 200 signatures. We need new data to show the growth of issues over time. Please consider being a part of the change!

Thank you for your time-