Staffer at LEAD Studio involved
Two separate incidents in the Park Hill School District have recently prompted multiple police investigations.
An allegation of inappropriate behavior involving a staff member that came to light at the LEAD Innovation Studio has prompted a police investigation.
At about 11 a.m. on Friday, April 22, school officials were made aware of an incident allegedly involving the enticement of a student. Consequently, the Park Hill School District opened an internal investigation into the incident and placed one of its staff members on leave pending a full investigation.
The report of inappropriate behavior by a person entrusted with working around children prompted school officials to send the student and his mother to file a report with the Kansas City Missouri Police Department.
“We reported the allegations to the Children’s Division, and law enforcement officers are investigating to see whether or not there was criminal activity,” said Ryan Stanley, the principal at LEAD Innovation Center.
According to Sgt. Jacob Becchina with the Kansas City Police Department, a male juvenile and his mother responded to the North Patrol Station on Friday morning, where officers advised the juvenile to complete an enticement report.
Authorities are continuing their investigation, but it will be up to the prosecutor’s office to determine if the staff member committed an unlawful act and whether to bring charges. The manner in which this incident occurred is part of the investigation.
At this time, district officials have not released any additional information
“We cannot provide details, both because authorities are investigating and because this is a personnel matter. However, we wanted you to know that we are following our policies and practices, and we are partnering with authorities in their investigations,” said Stanley.
“Thank you for your support of our efforts to make sure our school is a safe place to learn and to work,” said Stanley in an email to parents.
Incident of Self-Harm
In a separate matter, the Platte County Sheriff’s Office confirmed that a situation in which one student went to the hospital on Thursday there was no physical attack by another student, as was first believed.
“The injuries the student received were self-inflicted,” said Major Erik Holland with the Platte County Sheriff’s Office.
The incident has been forwarded to the Platte County Juvenile Office for review.
For safety purposes, the circumstances in which the student intentionally harmed themselves at school is being taken seriously, school officials said.
Thursday’s incident at Park Hill High School received a heavy dose of attention from students, parents, and media outlets.
According to Major Holland, law enforcement was called to the school on a report of a possible physical attack on one student believed to be caused by another student.
On the day of the incident, Park Hill High School Principal Brad Kincheloe announced the student was in “good condition” and was undergoing treatment for minor injuries.
During an investigation, law enforcement determined the juvenile’s injuries occurred from self-harm.
“We appreciate everyone’s support as we took the proper steps to ensure everyone’s safety, including the student involved. We will continue to follow our policies and practices and to offer support,” said Kincheloe.
The Platte County Sheriff’s Office extended its gratitude to the Park Hill School District for their assistance in the investigation.
