Chattanooga, TN, August 8, 2025
News Summary
Chattanooga Preparatory School’s executive director, Diamond Kelley, has been suspended amid serious allegations involving former teacher Kenya White, who faces multiple criminal charges, including solicitation of a minor and kidnapping. This incident has raised significant concerns among parents about the school’s hiring practices and background checks for staff. Interim CEO Micah Bess announced a full investigation while local officials demand accountability. The community remains anxious about the school’s future and compliance with Tennessee law regarding employee vetting.
Chattanooga
Chattanooga Preparatory School is facing a significant leadership crisis after the suspension of its executive director, Diamond Kelley, due to serious allegations surrounding former teacher Kenya White. White, who was employed at the school, has been charged with solicitation of a minor and kidnapping, prompting widespread concern among parents and community members regarding the hiring processes and background checks for school staff.
White was indicted on February 10 for sexual exploitation of a minor, among other accusations. Adding to the alarming situation, records revealed that prior to his hiring, White was under investigation by law enforcement and the Department of Children’s Services for unprofessional behavior. Alarmingly, he remained at Chattanooga Prep for an entire year after administrators were informed of a “disciplinary hold” on his teaching credentials.
In the wake of these revelations, parents have voiced their frustrations regarding the hiring and vetting processes of personnel at Chattanooga Prep. Many expressed a lack of confidence in the school’s ability to ensure a safe environment for their children. Concerns escalated further when it became apparent that the school may not have complied with Tennessee law, which mandates background checks on all applicants for teaching positions.
New interim CEO, Micah Bess, confirmed that Kelley is currently on administrative leave as the school undertakes a full investigation. Bess emphasized that Kelley’s suspension should not be interpreted as an admission of wrongdoing. However, the community remains anxious about the implications for the school’s future and the possible revocation of its charter.
Local officials, including Tennessee Representative John Clemmons, are advocating for accountability, urging clarification on how White was allowed to continue teaching despite his documented history of misconduct. This concern over employment practices has led to increased scrutiny of the school’s operations.
A recent meeting attended by parents aimed at addressing the ongoing scandal and future actions left many attendees dissatisfied, as they felt the discussion lacked transparency regarding the investigation and the school’s direction. The community is undoubtedly searching for answers as the crisis unfolds.
Related Challenges in Local Charter Schools
Chattanooga Prep is not alone in facing challenges related to leadership and compliance. It is linked to other charter schools, notably Knox Preparatory School, which recently entered a new academic year under new leadership after grappling with its own set of issues. A recent audit at Knox Prep confirmed that all of its teachers are now properly credentialed, addressing earlier compliance concerns.
Chattanooga Prep has around 200 students in the 6th and 7th grades and operates as a public charter school authorized by Knox County Schools. As the school embarks on its second year, the focus will be on restoring trust with families and ensuring a secure learning environment for all students.
Ongoing Investigation
The investigation surrounding the hiring practices and administrative decisions at Chattanooga Prep remains ongoing. The outcome of this review will likely have long-term implications for the school, contributing to the larger conversation about accountability and standards in charter school systems across the state.
Conclusion
With parents demanding clarity and local representatives insisting on accountability, the future of Chattanooga Preparatory School hangs in the balance. The community is looking for answers and assurance that all necessary measures are being taken to protect its students.
FAQ
What led to the suspension of Chattanooga Preparatory School’s executive director?
Diamond Kelley was suspended due to serious allegations surrounding former teacher Kenya White, who faces multiple criminal charges, including solicitation of a minor and kidnapping.
What concerns have parents raised regarding the school’s hiring practices?
Parents have expressed concerns about the lack of proper background checks and the school’s hiring processes, especially since White was reportedly under investigation for unprofessional behavior prior to his employment.
What actions are local officials taking in response to the situation at Chattanooga Prep?
Local officials, including Tennessee Representative John Clemmons, are calling for accountability and transparency concerning how White was employed at the school despite his documented past.
How many students does Chattanooga Preparatory School currently serve?
Chattanooga Preparatory School currently serves around 200 students in grades 6 and 7.
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Additional Resources
- Times Free Press: Chattanooga Prep is Moving Forward
- Wikipedia: Background Check
- WBIR: Knoxville Prep Heads Back to Class
- Google Search: Tennessee education system
- News Channel 9: Chattanooga Prep Crisis
- Google Scholar: Charter Schools Tennessee
- Local 3 News: Parents Concerned about Chattanooga Prep
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Charter School
- Local 3 News: Federal Judge Accepts Guilty Plea
- Google News: Chattanooga Prep school
Author: STAFF HERE CHATTANOOGA WRITER
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