While Coach Sha (Atilvia) Spencer has been  involved with the JCSD for over 6 years, I have known her personally since 2013 and on a professional level for well over a decade. Her personal drive and commitment to everything she does, does not deter easily and she strives to be the best at what she does. I have witnessed her growth inside and outside of the school through her coaching and teaching. I have had several of my own children taught and coached by her. My children, as well as hundreds of others, have nothing but positive things to say about Coach Spencer. 

On November 18th, an incident happened during school hours involving a student being verbally and physically aggressive towards Coach Spencer. This incident was witnessed by the entire class. Throughout this entire incident, Coach Spencer remained professional, calm, and tried to keep the situation under control; as much as possible. The situation escalated and the student physically assaulted Coach Spencer. In effort to not only protect herself, as well as the other students, Coach Spencer restrained the student for safety reason; while waiting for assistance from other staff members. 

The entire incident was captured on video surveillance and reviewed by Jefferson City School District human resource department,  Jefferson City Police Department, and division of family service. She was cleared by each one of any wrong doing. During the incident review, Coach Spencer was placed on administrative leave; pending the investigation. Once she was cleared of any wrong doing, she was informed she will be able to return to her position on November 20th, but then was informed by the school administration not to return until after Thanksgiving break; giving the student’s father time to “cool down.” On December 2nd, she was asked to meet with the school board again and this is when things took a drastic turn. Suddenly, Patricia (from the Jefferson City School board) had reviewed the surveillance camera again and when she zoomed in, found something that Coach Spencer had done that “violated school policy.” During this meeting, it was brought to Coach Spencer’s attention that the father of the student was pursuing litigation against the school. It was only after this was brought up, that suddenly now a violation was found when zooming in on the video; even though she had already been cleared by each entity.  

If you know Sha Spencer, have worked with her, have had her as your coach, had her as your child’s coach, had her as your child’s teacher- PLEASE sign this petition and let the school board know how you feel. Coach Spencer has changed student’s lives with what an impact she makes on them daily. Jefferson City School District needs to know we stand behind her; as they should have done.  Coach Spencer deserves to have her job back and return to her students. 

Lastly, the actions of this student are unacceptable. The disrespect and abuse teachers go through is not recognized enough. Although, incidents and disrespect happen daily, situations do escalate and not enough is being done to protect our educators. The persons that should be held responsible here are the student and his parents, not Coach Spencer.

EDIT: Coach Spencer has stated she only wants to return to coaching the children and not return to teaching. Parents of student have dropped all charges after having a chance to view the video themselves and still school board hasn’t reached out to offer Coach her position back.