MEDIA STATEMENT

Issued:

April 21, 2016

RE:

Allegations against members of the Knox County Board of Education

Faculty and staff of the Knox County Public Schools are currently cooperating with the Kentucky
Department of Education, the Attorney General, and the Kentucky State Police in two separate
investigations being conducted regarding allegations against members of our governing board.
It is the policy of the school district not to provide comment on investigations or pending actions
involving personnel. In this specific matter, the allegations being investigated are against one or
more elected officials and not individuals employed by the Knox County Public Schools. Therefore,
any statements from the Board must be provided by their legal counsel.
At this time, it is important to stress that the faculty, staff, students, and community remain entirely
focused on student success. Our on-going commitment to student achievement requires ongoing and
vigilant effort by all in order to best serve students. District leadership continues to focus on the
daily operations of the school district in ensuring that students and staff have a learning environment
free of distractions that could interrupt the educational process.
Individuals who wish to provide evidence or require additional information about the investigations
are asked to contact the Kentucky Department of Education, Attorney General, or Kentucky State
Police directly. The school district has been advised that the Attorney General handles issues of
eligibility for local school board members. Pursuant to KRS 156.132, the Department of Education
only reviews eligibility based on acts perpetrated by a school official that amount to immorality,
misconduct, incompetency, willful neglect of duty, or nonfeasance.

Gordon Hinkle, Charles Merida, Dexter Smith, Merrill Smith and Sam Watts Board of Education Members
Kelly Sprinkles Superintendent
200 Daniel Boone Drive Barbourville, Kentucky 40906
Phone: (606)546-3157 Web: www.knox.kyschools.us Fax: (606)546-2819