Manual

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Student journalists at one Kentucky high school put a new twist on an old practice to avoid their school’s content restrictions

One of those issues involved the 2007-08 yearbook.

Members of the yearbook staff wanted to do a spread on gay and lesbian students, Schaver said, but there was a problem with the final spread.

2012 – After controversial stories are cut, student journalists in Kentucky contact SPLC and launch an underground newspaper

2017-2018

Jerry Mayes Era – click the link to read letters and emails that were submitted to Dear JCPS when the community started organizing around his removal. Why did it take so long? And why was he permitted to stay in his job during the investigation, continuing to sow division and gaslight victims.

In addition to those stories told by those who were terrorized by Principal Mayes, a Black Manual teacher was also terrorized by those loyal to him, for the role it was assumed she played in his investigation and ultimate removal, despite there being zero evidence. That trauma came full circle when the school was SWATTED on Wednesday, due to one of the many ways they came up with to retaliate against her, included targeting her for doing exactly what a white teacher did on a photo on another page, as they are TRAINED to do. But when this teacher held up a pair of scissors during an ALICE drill, to reassure her students, it was blown out of proportion and almost led to her termination. I spoke with her Wednesday night to make sure she was ok. Fortunately, we were able to joke about that time she was labeled as a “Black woman with scissors” all these years later. But she did acknowledge that her trauma resurfaced when her school was swarmed by armed officers, and fear that she could once again be targeted for doing what she is trained to do. She was not just concerned for her own safety, but that of her students, some of whom were in hallways and bathrooms when the lockdown commenced. The rollercoaster of emotions not only included the trauma of that moment, but relief and comfort that it was a false alarm, and assurances that they are in the presence of educators who are ready and willing to protect them at all costs, EVEN THOUGH IT SHOULD NOT BE THIS WAY!

2019 – Email to Pollio

EXCERPT:

“Another example is the email that was sent directly to you (no carbon copies) on or around May 26, 2019 with “URGENT” in the subject line and “felony” in the body. This critical email appears to have been intercepted by Theresa White, Dr. Pollio’s secretary. This email went unaddressed for TWO DAYS before the parent, who was clearly distraught, received a reply. 

The reply did not copy you, but instead was forwarded to Dr. Baete to address. When the victim, myself and another advocate met with you on Dec. 4, 2019 you stated that it was the first time you had been made aware of this situation.”

As was suggested by Ms Renn, I resubmitted the open records request with broader flexibility in the search criteria, to include “to” and “from” only to learn that the results were still the same. According to the attached responsive records, there were no other emails, including blind copies where Dr. Pollio was informed.

I have heard Dr. Pollio comment on the importance of “customer service.” How would he feel to know that this parent, who is also a JCPS teacher, was not treated with respect, much less good customer service. But more importantly, these students have been denied the opportunity to receive the help they so desperately cry out for. Everyone involved with this story is concerned that adults, with whom the care and safety of these students has been entrusted, did not do their jobs, and that cover-ups have taken place.

I also did an open records request asking for physical copies of any items that were turned in at the school level. Nothing came up. However, the mom can confirm that she delivered the packet of evidence of these activities, involving 23 Manual students, to Mr. Farmer two days (I believe) before the end of the school year. Where is that packet?

2020

Jan 14 – MANUAL DOCUMENTS WERE PRESENTED TO THE JCPS SCHOOL BOARD

AND COPIES OF WHAT WAS HANDED TO THEM IN THEIR FOLDERS CAN BE FOUND HERE.

2022

2023

The recent FBI raid that led to the arrest of several drug dealers in the city, included the father of a Manual graduate, who was among the suspected crime-ring leaders that we reported to Dr. Pollio in the email above, and again, in person, in December of 2019. Go figure.

There’s also rumors of human trafficking involving student athletes who are older than it says on the team rosters. This is apparently a huge, national crime ring but Kentucky has been suspected as of late. It may involve more than one sport, but basketball specifically has been mentioned. It has also been tied to outside sports agencies, teams and coaches (some reportedly acting as guardians of players in order to receive donations) across the city, including private schools.

Not saying it’s related, but the recent investigation into two coaches at Manual can be explored here: Stoner Twins

Suspended duPont Manual football coach indicted for rape, sexual abuse, sodomy as LMPD investigates twin brother

Followed by this…

The SWATting of Manual

2024

My last speech to JCPS BOE

And this…

Woman sues suspended duPont Manual football coach claiming he had sex with her as a minor