Dear MVBT Families, Staff, and Community,

I want to take a moment to address a recent story aired by KY3 that has sparked conversations within out community. While I cannot discuss the specifics of a student matter, I feel it’s crucial to express our unwavering commitment to protecting the privacy and well-being of every single student in the Mountain View/Birch Tree School District. 

 

As your Superintendent and a member of this community, I truly care about each of our students. My priority is to create an environment where they feel safe, supported, and valued – not just academically, but physically, socially, and emotionally. Confidentiality laws are in place to ensure that our students’ rights are upheld, and we must adhere to these laws even when it’s challenging. 

 

I understand that when stories emerge in the media, it can lead to questions and concerns. Unfortunately, the complexities of these situations are not always fully represented. In this recent case, KY3 did not fully represent the complexities of this situation. They inserted a FB message from MVBT’s FB page that had absolutely nothing to do with the incident they were reporting on. They did not include the full statement that I provided to them. I declined an interview with them due to the sensitive nature of the situation, which we could not fully disclose. 

 

Disciplinary incidents involve an investigation, and one like this includes not only reviewing the immediate circumstances of who the photo was sent to and why, but also past incidents involving a student and the interactions with those same peers in the past. What appears as a simplified sound bite or snapshot completely fails to capture these details.

 

As a community leader, I am deeply concerned when media coverage becomes part of the problem rather than part of the solution. Responsible reporting is essential in ensuring that our community stays informed and united. When sensationalized stories emerge, they can create confusion and mistrust, detracting from our collective efforts to support our students and families. It is imperative that the media prioritizes accuracy and sensitivity, particularly when dealing with matters that involve the safety of our children. 

 

I want you to know that our district is dedicated to transparency where we can, but we must also prioritize the privacy of our students. Together, we can foster a culture of trust, truth, learning, hard work, and joy in our schools. Your support means the world to us as we navigate these situations, and I appreciate your understanding during this time. 

 

Thank you for your understanding and ongoing trust in our district.

 

Sincerely,

Lanna Tharp

Superintendent