School District Concludes Investigation; Teacher to Return

STARKVILLE, Miss. (WCBI) — A teacher will keep her job at Starkville High School.

The Starkville Oktibbeha County Consolidated School District has concluded their investigation into a sensitive issue that includes a student’s controversial classroom project, a veteran teacher placed on leave and confusion about policy.

Last week history teacher  Sherre Ferguson was sent home from her job at Starkville High School.  That appeared to coincide with a student’s presentation involving the field of sexology in Ferguson’s classroom.

Many students, alums and some parents rallied around the teacher, believing her to be sent home because of the sexual nature of the presentation.

Friday morning before school, some students organized and led a protest in support of Ferguson.

The school district has a policy of not commenting on personnel matters and on-going investigations. But, in  a statement Friday morning, the school district says the teacher not only broke several school policies by allowing the presentation, she also broke state law.

The statement says in part:

“While the condom demonstration that occurred during the presentation is a violation of Mississippi law and school board policy, the resulting personnel issue goes beyond that scope to include how the employee involved responded during an inquiry regarding the presentation.”

“We consider the issue resolved,” the statement continues, ” and we look forward to the employee returning to the classroom.”

No date has been released for Ferguson’s return to school.

Here is the link to the complete statement from the Starkville Oktibbeha Consolidated School District. http://www.wcbi.com/local-news/starkville-oktibbeha-consolidated-school-district-statement/