Chip Baker
Former County School Board member Chip Baker said Friday he is alarmed by a lack of county school leadership on the Ooltewah High rape case and says the School Board should hold Supt. Rick Smith accountable.
Mr. Baker, who is executive director of Friends of the Festival, said, "As a former 12 year member of the Hamilton County Board of Education, I have been alarmed by the inaction of the current administration regarding the deplorable crime committed on December 22.
"Though I know this crime is being fully investigated, I do hope the coach/chaperones quickly made sure the child was immediately cared for. His well-being unquestionably should have been priority 1. This should continue until he has received all services necessary to completely restore his mental and physical health.
"Second, regardless of the time of year, an investigation should have immediately been undertaken by the Superintendent. This should have included the management of the school, particularly the basketball program, the culture of the basketball environment, and the enforcement of the policies within the system. If applicable policies are not up to date then an immediate review and update should have occurred. Once these have been revised, they should be universally applied throughout Hamilton County Schools.
"Third, and as immediate as everything else, communication should have occurred. This needed to include the parents, the students, the Board, and the community. Whatever could have been communicated, within the scope of the investigation, should have been addressed immediately, not 2 weeks later and not in a 5 minute address. Even if there are items which cannot be addressed because of confidential concerns, at the very least, listen to the concerns of the public, particularly the parents. Speak to what you can but, at the very least, listen.
"As tragic as this crime is, this is a time for leadership. The Superintendent is where the buck stops. The Board’s only direct hire is that position and they need to hold him accountable.
"No one is ever perfect but the lack of leadership in this horrific crime is deplorable. We have one of the best communities in the country and we have to do better. All of our students and residents deserve that!"
Supt. Rick Smith