We are parents, students, and community members of Gibson County, Tennessee, who are demanding the immediate removal of Superintendent Eddie Pruett and Principal Todd Shepherd. Under their leadership, Gibson County High School and the broader school district have become a hostile and unsafe environment for many of our children—especially students of color.

This petition is not just about one child—it’s about every child who has suffered under a system that has ignored cries for help, failed to protect, and retaliated against families who speak up.

In April 2025, my daughter, Makynzie Woods, was involved in an altercation at Gibson County High School. Instead of a fair, transparent process, she was sentenced to 90 days in alternative school by a disciplinary hearing authority—with no opportunity to appeal to the elected school board, as allowed under Tennessee law. Our family was given no clear guidance, no contact with the board, and no explanation of our rights.

But Makynzie’s story is not an isolated incident. Other students in this district have:

Been bullied by both staff and peers, with no meaningful action taken.

Faced racial disparities in discipline and academic tracking that are too consistent to ignore.

Reported sexual harassment and even rape allegations—and received no protection, support, or public accountability.

Our children have been made to feel unsafe, unheard, and unsupported—while those in power continue to operate without transparency or consequences.

Under the leadership of Superintendent Eddie Pruett and Principal Todd Shepherd:

Students have been suspended or removed without due process.

Parents have been shut out of communication.

The district has shown a complete disregard for equity, safety, and legal responsibility.

We believe that enough is enough.

We are calling on the Gibson County Special School District Board of Trustees to:

1. Launch a formal investigation into the actions and decisions made by Superintendent Pruett and Principal Shepherd.

2. Suspend both individuals pending the outcome of that investigation.

3. Remove them from their positions if they are found to have violated policy, failed to protect students, or abused their authority.

We will not stay silent while our children suffer. We are speaking up for Makynzie—and for every student who deserves a school system that protects, listens, and leads with integrity.