The New Kent County School Board did not address the sudden departure of a longtime teacher at its recent public meeting, but it did direct the schools to look at the issue of cellphones in the classroom.
The request followed comments at the April 12 school board meeting by supporters of Ronnie Cox, a longtime New Kent High School teacher who retired last month. Supporters say Cox was asked by administration to leave his position following a verbal exchange with a student.
School officials have not said what led to the retirement of Cox, who taught sociology, economics, and World Geography at New Kent High School for more than 31 years as well as coaching baseball, basketball, football and soccer. Among the speakers who spoke in support of Cox, Jay Daniel Moore, a former student, called for the school board to review the cellphone policy and strictly enforce rules over students’ use of audio and video on their phones.
While school board members did not address the incident, two of them called for a review of practices after listening to public comments. A recording, apparently made with a cellphone, of a verbal exchange between Cox and a student has been circulating since Cox left.
“I know we cannot comment on personnel matters. That is the rule,” said school board member Andrea Staskiel.
Board member Molly McBeath requested a future presentation on the school division’s cellphone and videotaping policy.
“Cellphones are here to stay and they are part of our life and our students’ life but I really think we need to have some guardrails around that,” she said.
McBeath, who works from home, said she is habitually distracted by the ping of messages on her cellphone. “I can only imagine what these kids are being faced with in the classroom,” she said.
Staskiel called for an “update on the way that our processes work in terms of looking at and investigating something that comes through regarding teachers and students.” She also asked to be educated on the division’s policies.
School Superintendent Brian Nicholls agreed to both requests.
The departure of Cox sparked a student walk-out at the high school in March and sparked a GoFundMe campaign for Cox that has raised almost $7,000. Some who attended the school board meeting wore T-shirts in support of Cox, who has been described as tough but fair teacher.
The Tidewater Review obtained a copy of an audio recording during which Cox asks an unidentified student to close his Chromebook. After the student apparently did not comply, Cox asks the student if he wants to “take it outside.”
Speaking outside the meeting, Justin Cox, the teacher’s son, said he understood his father had sternly asked a student to take a matter outside but said he was referring to the hallway.
David Macaulay, davidmacaulayva@gmail.com
