JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — The cinematic arts department chair, Corey Thayer, is now under investigation. This comes as one teacher was arrested in March, now three others are under a professional standards review.
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“The district has been slow to act,” former student of the school, Shyla Jenkins said.
Roughly a month ago at a DCPS board meeting, former D.A. students brought letters describing their time at the school, one mentioned the cinematic arts chair’s name.
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“I don’t know how many more letters have to come through for the district, specifically the administration that deals with this type of grievances, to do something,” Jenkins said.
This comes after the arrest of former vocal chair, Jeffrey Clayton in March, who’s now facing criminal charges that involved a student.
Read: Douglas Anderson teacher accused of lewd conduct ‘involving a student’ submits retirement, DCPS says
A special board meeting is going to be held on Wednesday regarding the situation at the school. Board members are expected to speak on hiring a third-party counsel, provide an update from office of general counsel, as well as the timeline and costs of the investigation.
Jenkins is still hoping for transparency.
“It’s transparency about who knew at what levels at what times, and whether those people are currently working in the Duval County school system, or if they’re retired, holding them accountable for their lack of action,” she said.
Action News Jax did try reaching out to Thayer for comment but didn’t hear back. Douglas Anderson School of the Arts Principal sent the following message to parents:
“Good afternoon families, this is Principal Wilson, and I am calling with another update regarding a personnel matter at our school.
As you know, investigations are ongoing, and based on information received, we have made the decision to reassign teacher Corey Thayer pending the outcome of a professional standards review. While we follow the standard of presuming innocence until proven guilty, out of an abundance of caution, we will be moving him to duties off campus and without student contact.
Read: Duval school board members discuss investigations after teacher-involved Douglas Anderson incidents
As I have mentioned in previous messages of this type, if you or your student has information that might assist the district in any investigation, I encourage you to share that with Dr. Tameiko Grant. You can email Dr. Grant at grantT1 (again that’s grantT1) @duvalschools.org.
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Thanks again for your cooperation and support as we continue to work through this situation as a school community. Good-bye.”
