Warwick High School administrators took immediate action and contacted law enforcement after learning October 8 of a social-media post appearing to show a student with a now former employee, Newport News Public Schools told Audit Newport News.
In an October 9 response, Robert C. White, NNPS’s executive director of public information and community involvement, said the school acted under established policies and procedures. He confirmed that a part-time Warwick coach is no longer employed and said the division is fully cooperating with the ongoing investigation.
Warwick also addressed families in an October 9 email and text dated 1:55 p.m. Signed by Principal Ms. Thompson, the message repeated the school’s account of its immediate response, police contact and cooperation with investigators. A call to all parents later followed relaying similar information.
The relevant rules address both staff behavior and the school’s response. NNPS’s published handbook explains GBEB, Staff Conduct: staff relationships with students must remain professional. It lists sexual interactions with students as on-duty misconduct, whether on or off school property. NNPS also lists GBEBE/GBEBE-P specifically for unprofessional interactions with students.
JLF/JLF-P addresses child protection. Separately, Virginia §63.2-1509 requires school employees with reason to suspect reportable child abuse or neglect to report immediately to local social services or the state child-abuse hotline. Staff may immediately notify an authorized school head or designee, who must promptly make the report. The duty concerns suspected abuse—not waiting for proof.
🚨 UPDATE: NNPD confirms investigation into Warwick coach allegations
Newport News Police Department have now responded directly to Audit Newport News, confirming an investigation into the matter involving a former Warwick High School coach.
In an October 12 response, Kelly T. King, Communications Manager, said police received the report on October 8. No charges had been filed at the time of her response. NNPD declined to identify the adult involved and said it could not release further information.
https://www.auditnewportnews.com/stories/warwick-coach-relationship-allegations/
This story is still developing.
