Chesterfield Teen Charged With Brandishing a Firearm at School ...

I have observed classes within this school under the present administrators; Mr. Ferrell, principal, Mr. Abel, assistant principal, and Deb Jones, Special Ed Dept. This is one of the most unsafe, unorganized, poorly lead schools in the district. Students are NOT in a safe, supportive, and nurturing environment like Shawn Smith says. In fact, due to the poor leadership at this school, the well being of students is in question. WTVR is strongly encouraged to investigate the civil rights and VADOE complaints against this school. There are reports that the principal has even participated in covering up the neglect and civil rights violations of students and parents. Chesterfield's superintendent, Dr. Newsome, and the school board members have done nothing. Anything goes in this school and the district officials will cover it up. I am glad that they have finally been exposed. Mr. Ferrell has even denied parents access to observe classes in the school in order to cover up what is going on in the school. This is illegal, but he did it.

Yes and Community is right there with Meadowbrook and Thomas Dale. Because my son went to the restroom Mr. Stansbury the principal at Thomas Dale High school wants my son long termed suspended and Community was want was offered to my son. I declined and now he is being homebound. This all started about three years ago my neighbors and I had a meeting with the police about the traffic on the road we live on. He has been very nasty to me even to go as far as to call me a liar and a big mouth. He also told me if I would stop calling the police to run radar in my neighbor that he would leave my son alone. When I told my story to his boss he said nothing. OK when will the school board members listen? I have begged for a meeting with the school board for the past two years and have be put off and a Mr. Witoff has called and spoke with me and nothing has been done. All I get are excuses. when is it going to stop.

My children also attend Meadowbrook. And I agree that Meadowbrook is one of the most unsafe schools to attend. However, some of us do not have the luxury of picking which school our children attend. Under the current administration, I have found that Mr. Ferrell shows absolutely no concern for what the parents feel. I have had to go to the school board on several occassions just to get a returned phone call. This happens throughout the school. Several members of the guidance office are also lacking in being responsive to the parents. The school systems have become so concerned with the SOL's and seeing if the teachers are doing their job. The administration and teachers have forgotten what is important. I would love for someone to care enough about the safety and well being of our children. I heard several stories last year from my children as well as other students. When I call and ask the school about it, they of course have a totally different story or will say nothing at all. Meadowbrook has drastically declined since Mr. Ferrell took over as Principal at Meadowbrook. I do not believe he has the leadership qualities needed to run a school. He definetly is lacking in his communication skills. I would greatly appreciate someone looking into what goes on at Meadowbrook.

It sounds as if you have a solution to this whole problem and why don't you share it with the rest of the public? Yes, you have your opinions, as everyone does. Do you believe that this is the only school that has run into this sort of problem? If so, you're not looking at things objectively. It sounds like you've had a personal problem and are using this as a forum to complain. Inappropriate.

To clarify who the "you" is in my post, it refers to the Parent who started this whole complaining forum.

Why was there a prop like a gun on school grounds in the first place? Is there not a clause in school/county rules that even props, such as knives, swords, or guns, are not allowed? Seems like they were asking for any prankster to do something like this. It is not surprising.