News Summary
Kenya White, a former educator at Chattanooga Preparatory School, has agreed to plead guilty to charges of enticement of a minor amid serious allegations of misconduct involving multiple students. Following his arrest on 14 charges, including solicitation and kidnapping, White faces a substantial prison sentence. Investigations revealed concerning gaps in background checks conducted by Chatt Prep leading to his employment, despite knowledge of previous allegations. The school, now under probation, is committed to enhancing its hiring practices to ensure student safety and confidence in its administration.
Chattanooga – Kenya White, a former teacher at Chattanooga Preparatory School, has agreed to plead guilty to charges of enticement of a minor as part of a federal plea deal. The plea will address ongoing concerns regarding his alleged misconduct, including incidents with students at both Chattanooga Preparatory School and his previous employer, East Lake Academy.
Recent court documents revealed that White is now linked to a new victim, a student who attended Chatt Prep. He was arrested in February on multiple serious charges, including solicitation of a minor and kidnapping, totaling 14 charges against him stemming from his time at both schools.
As part of the plea agreement, White faces a mandatory minimum prison sentence of 10 years, with the possibility of up to a life sentence if convicted on additional charges. The investigation into his actions began earlier this year when a 12-year-old student from East Lake Academy came forward with allegations of inappropriate contact. Following this report, the police confiscated the victim’s phone, uncovering evidence that White had encouraged the minor to send sexually explicit images.
In response to the accusations, Hamilton County Schools suspended White from his position and eventually canceled his employment contract three months later. However, in January 2024, Chatt Prep hired White, despite the knowledge of an ongoing investigation by the Department of Children’s Services concerning his past conduct. A report from the Department of Children’s Services indicated that Chatt Prep failed to conduct the necessary background checks that would have unveiled White’s problematic history.
After joining Chatt Prep, evidence suggests that White solicited sexually explicit images from a 14-year-old student over a nine-month period through text messages and Snapchat. It was only after White’s arrest that the student reported these interactions to a school counselor.
After the allegations came to light, Chatt Prep has asserted its commitment to improving its hiring practices, affirming intentions for transparency moving forward. While the school’s charter remains active, it is currently under probationary status, which requires the implementation of corrective actions. This includes verification of instructional standards, proof of adequate insurance coverage, and updates on teacher records.
Further scrutiny has emerged surrounding Chatt Prep, particularly after audits indicated that nearly half of the school’s teachers lack adequate state licensing. These revelations have raised concerns among parents, especially regarding the transparency of the school’s administration during meetings that addressed the ongoing situation.
In light of these developments, interim CEO Micah Bess emphasized that the school is undertaking comprehensive changes to ensure compliance with safety and hiring standards to restore confidence among its community. Despite the troubling circumstances, Chatt Prep maintains its commitment to student education, assuring that senior students will still graduate on schedule, despite prior uncertainties about their credit validity.
The inquiry into the circumstances surrounding White’s case marks a significant moment for Chattanooga Preparatory School as it navigates the complexities of ensuring a safe learning environment for its students while addressing the legal and ethical ramifications of their hiring and oversight processes.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
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Chattanooga Preparatory School Faces Crisis After Teacher Arrest
Recent Arrests in Hamilton County Highlight Diverse Criminal Charges
Chattanooga Arrest Report Highlights Diverse Crimes
Chattanooga School Teacher Arrested on Serious Charges
Concerns Raised at Chattanooga Preparatory School
Additional Resources
- News Channel 9: Former Chatt Prep Teacher to Plead Guilty
- Times Free Press: Hamilton County Superintendent Withdraws
- Local 3 News: Chattanooga Preparatory School Celebrates Commitment Day
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Educational Institutions
- Google Search: Chattanooga Preparatory School
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.
