During a recent school board meeting, concerns regarding student safety and accountability within the school district were brought to the forefront by local parents. John and Selena Hutchins, residents of District 7, addressed the board, expressing their distress over a troubling incident involving their daughter and a former gym teacher.

The Hutchins family, who have had three daughters attend the district, recounted a shocking experience that began last October when they were contacted by the School Resource Officer (SRO) regarding an incident involving their 9-year-old daughter at Friendville Elementary. The couple described their initial disbelief and concern, as their children have always been well-behaved and respected students.

Upon further inquiry, the SRO revealed that there had been two separate encounters between their daughter and the gym teacher, which were captured on surveillance footage. The Hutchins expressed their disappointment and disgust at the situation, questioning how such incidents could occur and highlighting the limitations of the school's policy to retain surveillance footage for only 30 days. They raised concerns about the potential for other undiscovered incidents, emphasizing the need for greater accountability and transparency from the school district.

The meeting underscored the ongoing dialogue about student safety and the responsibilities of educational institutions to protect their students, particularly in light of recent charges against a former teacher. The Hutchins' testimony reflects a growing demand from parents for more stringent measures to ensure the safety and well-being of children within the school system.