March 8, 2025

Chattanooga School Faces Scandal Over Teacher Arrest

News Summary

Chattanooga Preparatory School is embroiled in controversy after teacher Kenya White was arrested on serious federal charges, including sexual exploitation of minors. The school previously hired White despite knowing his troubled background and ongoing investigation. The community is now calling for a thorough state investigation into the school’s hiring practices, as safety concerns arise regarding the protection of students. Principal Diamond Kelley is on leave as authorities seek potential victims of White’s alleged crimes.

Chattanooga: A Disturbing Turn of Events at Local School

In what has become a shocking turn of events, Chattanooga Preparatory School is now at the center of a serious controversy involving one of its teachers. Kenya White, who worked at the school, has recently been arrested and is facing multiple and severe federal charges related to the sexual exploitation of minors.

A Troubling Background

The alarming saga began on February 13, 2025, when White was apprehended by authorities following a two-year investigation conducted by the Chattanooga Police Department and the Department of Children Services (DCS). This initial arrest was followed by a second incident on March 7, 2025, where he was charged with further offenses, including the enticement and exploitation of minors.

Before his time at Chattanooga Prep, White was employed at East Lake Academy, where he faced suspension back in March 2023 over allegations of inappropriate communications with a student. These serious accusations raised red flags that should have prompted caution, but somehow, White still managed to be hired by Chattanooga Preparatory School in January 2024. Alarmingly, this hiring occurred even while he was under investigation and had a prior history of disciplinary issues.

A Controversial Hiring Decision

Internal emails from Chattanooga Prep revealed that school officials had knowledge of the ongoing investigation but chose to bring White on board anyway. Furthermore, it seems the school did not conduct a thorough background check on him. This oversight is attributed to the fact that the DCS was not set up to handle background checks specifically for charter schools.

In a twist of fate, White was initially hired as a part-time tutor in 2018 and later became an 8th-grade English teacher at Chattanooga Prep. Despite his troubled background, he was even awarded the dubious title of Teacher of the Month in March 2024.

Consequences and Reactions

Following White’s latest arrest, significant actions have been taken by the school. Diamond Kelley, the principal of Chattanooga Prep, has been placed on administrative leave, and the school’s Human Resources Coordinator, Dr. Angelnetta Ulmer, has opted for an early retirement. This raises serious questions about the school’s hiring practices and the overall safety of its students.

In the wake of these developments, Tennessee Representative John Ray Clemmons has called for a comprehensive state investigation into the actions of Chattanooga Preparatory School. He is pushing to understand how such a controversial figure could be hired despite evident warning signs and pending investigations regarding his conduct.

Community Response and Call for Help

Local authorities are sparing no effort in seeking out potential victims of White’s alleged crimes. The Chattanooga Police Department is actively encouraging anyone with pertinent information or who may have been impacted by his actions to come forward. The seriousness of White’s charges cannot be understated; he now faces 12 counts, including sexual exploitation of a minor, solicitation of a minor, and even kidnapping.

The nature of these charges includes exposing a child under 13 to sexual material electronically and soliciting sexual activity with minors. As this case unfolds, both the community and local authorities remain vigilant, focusing on ensuring that justice is served and that students are protected from any potential threats.

The Path Forward

This story has not only shocked the community of Chattanooga but has also raised important questions about school safety and the vetting process for teachers. As more unravel about Kenya White and his actions, parents, and citizens alike are left to wonder how they can best protect their children and ensure that their educational environment remains safe and nurturing.

Stay tuned as updates on this unfolding situation continue to emerge.

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Additional Resources

Author: STAFF HERE CHATTANOOGA WRITER

The CHATTANOOGA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREChattanooga.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Chattanooga, Hamilton County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Riverbend Festival, Chattanooga Oktoberfest, and Moon River Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Chattanooga Area Chamber of Commerce and United Way of Greater Chattanooga, plus leading businesses in manufacturing, insurance, and utilities that power the local economy such as Volkswagen Chattanooga, BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee, and EPB. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBristol.com, HEREKnoxville.com, HEREMemphis.com, and HERENashville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Tennessee's dynamic landscape.

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STAFF HERE CHATTANOOGA WRITER

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