EXCERPTS FROM PERSONNEL FILE DOCUMENTS:

"...you picked up a student in your classroom who was on crutches due to a broken ankle, threw her over your shoulder, and carried her halfway to the bathroom before putting her back down on the floor in the hallway without her crutches, forcing her to hop the rest of the way to the bathroom. In the process of doing so, you banged the student's ankle against various items, causing her pain. Another student from the class was then required to bring this student her crutches in the bathroom."

"You acknowledged that earlier in the school year, while this same student was lying down across a couple chairs, you sat on her lower back for a minute before getting back up."

"You repeatedly have made comments complimenting female students on their physical appearance, making them feel uncomfortable."

"You have commented to a female student that they are too good for the boyfriends and should dump them."

In an email received from Bucyrus City School District Board President Randy Blankenship on August 14, 2026, he states the "Greg Shifley Citizenship" award was created in 2025 by Bucyrus City School District Music teachers - claims "Neither the Board nor the administration have anything to do with creating or awarding the award to students" - and in spite of having direct access to the records referenced above he fails "to see how an award named after a teacher who served the District for 39 years constitutes a “risk to students”".

We, the undersigned alumni, parents, students, and community members, formally request the immediate and permanent removal of Greg Shifley's name from the "Greg Shifley Citizenship Award". Furthermore, we call for the formal discontinuation of using this individual's name in connection with any current or future honors, scholarships, or recognition programs within the district.

Background & Justification:

The integrity of our educational and extracurricular programs relies on maintaining safe, respectful, and professional environments for all students.

 Documented Misconduct: As reflected in official public personnel records and corroborated by multiple student accounts, Greg Shifley engaged in serious violations of personal and professional boundaries with middle and high school students.

 Impact on the Community: Continuing to honor an individual with a history of boundary violations undermines victim experiences, compromises the integrity of the music program, and sends a damaging message regarding the standards of student safety and ethical accountability.

 Call for Accountability: Awards presented to students should reflect community values, mentorship, and trust. Retaining this naming distinction is incompatible with providing a safe, supportive educational environment.

Action Requested:

1. Immediate Striking of Naming Rights: Remove Greg Shifley's name from the official title of the award prior to any future presentations.

2. Public Recommitment to Student Safety: Issue a clear public statement from the board acknowledging the change and reaffirming a commitment to maintaining strict professional boundaries and student protection standards.

3. Establishment of a Neutral Name: Rename the honor to focus strictly on student achievement, musical excellence, or a broad community ideal.

Ahead of the creation of this petition, every effort was made to resolve these matters directly, discretely, and collaboratively.  This approach failed.  Thank you for your consideration and concern for the examples being presented to young people of the Bucyrus City School District.  If you have similar stories you would be willing to share that support this petition and its purpose, please consider leaving a comment with your signature.