Wiley Middle School and Parkland High School are the focus of an SBI investigation of whether or nor Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Schools promptly reported allegations of teacher misconduct.
Wiley ESL teacher Jason Ford has been suspended with pay over allegations he took indecent liberties with a student, supposedly touching the student’s leg. At Parkland, computer tech teacher Steve Wiley was fired after being arrested on charges of taking indecent liberties with a student and misdemeanor sexual battery.
But the SBI investigation is focusing on a 2006 incident in which Waddell was never charged, ostensibly because school officials never reported the alleged incident to law enforcement officials.
The Winston-Salem Journal editorializes, noting that former school system attorney Doug Punger once told a teacher accused of fondling a student “if he didn’t contest his termination, school officials would do their best to keep the matter quiet,” according to court files.
The Journal also notes the SBI investigation could have political consequences for school board members seeking reelection in November. Too bad Superintendent Don Martin will not be directly held accountable by voters as well.
