VDOE says Accomack Superintendent failed to cooperate with Sheriff’s investigation

By Linda Cicoira

The Virginia Department of Education says Accomack County Public Schools Superintendent Rhonda Hall did not follow school protocol earlier this month when she failed to cooperate with local law enforcement and abide by state laws during a police investigation of a student’s alleged shooting threat.

“Your school division’s failure to contact the student’s parents to seek permission to release information had the potential to have far-reaching negative impacts on the safety and security of students, staff, and visitors to your schools,” Lisa Coons, state superintendent of public instruction wrote to Hall on Sept. 24.

“I recommend that Accomack County Public Schools evaluate decision-making processes, specifically the communication needed with families when directory information (is) requested by local law enforcement officials,” Coons wrote.

“Concerned constituents from Accomack County” contacted the state official on Sept. 19, regarding reports of an alleged threat. She and Chief of Staff Jeremy Raley spoke to Hall on the phone to learn more about the situation and to review the threat assessment process, the release of information, and the mandated web posting of the local school system’s memorandum of understanding with the Accomack County Sheriff’s Office.

Sheriff Todd Wessells addressed the school board on Sept. 17 to complain about Hall’s lack of cooperation. He said during an active investigation, Hall told him he would need to get a search warrant and make a request in writing to learn the age, address, and parent names of students that he and his deputies requested.

“I shouldn’t have to do that,” the sheriff said. Wessells explained he is exempt from having to do so in the case of health and safety.

“We don’t want the child’s educational information,” Wessells said. “When my office receives reports, it’s critical that deputies get information” for the safety of students and others. “Our children deserve better.”

In the end, the sheriff said, “No vital threat was found. Thank God.”

Hall reported her communication with state officials at a school board meeting Tuesday. She said she was unaware that the memorandum between the division and sheriff’s office needed to be put on the website. That was done on Sept. 23.

Regarding threat assessments, Hall said, “We do them every day.” In this case, the principal had investigated the allegation and found there wasn’t one, she added.

Coons also mentioned in her letter that written statements regarding the incident were sent to her from Hall, the principals of Nandua Middle and High schools, and the coordinator of student services.

Based on that information and the phone call, “There is no indication that Accomack County Public Schools convened a threat assessment team” required by law, Coons wrote. “These threat assessment teams with expertise in counseling, instruction, school administration, and law enforcement have the responsibility to determine whether a student poses” a violent threat of physical harm to themselves or others.

“Given the current prioritization of student and staff security and safety, this critical process to evaluate a potential threat was not completed,” Coons continued. “It is expected that this process is followed for this event and for any events that take place in the future.”

According to the reports, Principal Kimberly Giddens at Nandua High provided the sheriff’s office with the requested information. Principal Javan Thompson of Nandua Middle did not do so, and Hall “would not provide student demographic and directory information without a subpoena.” These statements “demonstrate an inconsistent approach to responding to law enforcement,” the state official said.

Another section of the state law “clearly outlines” the processes for disclosing student information and is part of the agreement between the police and school division, Coons said. “This policy defines directory information as “information contained in a student’s education record that would not generally be considered harmful or an invasion of privacy if disclosed.”

     “There is no greater responsibility entrusted to our school division leaders than ensuring the safety and security of the students, families, and staff we serve,” Coons said. “This responsibility must be prioritized above all else. The Virginia Department of Education is available to provide resources, technical assistance, and support to your school division with best practices and to also ensure compliance with the Code of Virginia. Please let me know how we can best assist in ensuring school safety and student safety is ensured in each of these situations.”