TERRE HAUTE, Ind. (WTWO/WAWV)– Following an investigation, the Vigo County School Corporation found board member J.D. Skelton did not commit any misconduct relating to a meeting with a parent after racial harassment allegations at West Vigo High School.
In January, the board announced it was looking into allegations Skelton had an inappropriate meeting with a parent at their workplace. The investigation found the meeting did not violate any guidelines, and Skelton will not face any discipline.
Here’s the full statement released by the Vigo County School Corporation.
“Vigo County School Corporation engaged outside counsel to investigate an interaction involving Board of School Trustees member J.D. Skelton and a district parent that stemmed from recent allegations of race-based harassment by students at West Vigo High School.“
“The encounter in question occurred on November 30, 2022. At the time, Mr. Skelton had been elected to the Board of School Trustees but had not yet started his term nor been sworn in. Mr. Skelton approached the district parent at her place of work with approval upon invitation from a third party who had spoke to the district parent to discuss certain inaccurate social media posts about the incidents at West Vigo High School, which incorrectly identified one of the students involved.“
“Both parties described the conversation as cordial and agree that the primary focus was Mr. Skelton seeking to enlist the district parent’s help in getting the inaccurate social media posts taken down. The investigation did not find evidence that Mr. Skelton intended to impact the inquiry into race-based harassment at West Vigo High School or that Mr. Skelton threatened the district parent. According to both parties, they parted on civil terms. The investigation found no criminal conduct or other misconduct occurred.“
“The Vigo County School Corporation Board of School Trustees is rooted in the core values of personal accountability, honesty, and respect, and all board members are expected to uphold these values.”
