by Aundrea Cline-Thomas
WILSON COUNTY, Tenn.- How far is too far for a parent to go to protect their child? That's the question being asked in Wilson County. According to school leaders, one mother's actions are so extreme she's been banned from stepping foot inside the school. Now increased safety measures have other parents questioning if their kids are safe.
"It just worries us to drop our children off at school," one parent said who wanted remain anonymous. "We just want to know they're safe."
Parents said there's been a noticeable increase in security at Tuckers Crossroads Elementary School.
"You go to school and see police officers everywhere," another parent said. "No one has notified us as parents."
The principal and school leaders denied our interview request instead referring us to the county attorney. However incident reports obtained from the Sheriff's department show deputies have responded to the school for various issues surrounding one parent.
"There are rumors flying everywhere," the parents added.
In a letter, school leaders banned the mother from school property and described her behavior as erratic and aggressive. While no examples were given, the letter said she accosted and harassed school personnel and students on and off property.
According to another incident report the mother would park across the street from the school with a video camera and allegedly tape families as they walked inside.
"I think she's trying to document how school is treating her," attorney Allen Woods said. "There's certainly nothing illegal nor even wrong about that."
Woods represents the mother who he describes as a concerned parent.
"More than a year ago her then 10 year old daughter was experiencing repeated bullying incidents at her elementary school," Woods explained about how the problems began. The mother went to the school asking that they address the problem. Now he says, the mother is subject to threats.
"There are people in the community or members of the school administration who do not like the fact that my client speaks loudly when she gets upset," Woods said, "…or is vociferous in her demands that her daughter receive a quality education."
School officials are taking the situation seriously. The County Attorney confirmed she was the reason why the fall festival was postponed. It's why the parents we spoke with say they're too afraid to
"We don't want retaliation from this person," they said. "Our children go to this school."
They're accusations the attorney said are unfounded are spiraling out of control.
"I would hope everyone could take a step back, take a deep breath and we can find a way to work this out," Woods said.
Earlier this week, the school board directed the County Attorney to investigate whether legal action could be taken. So far no charges have been filed and no arrests have been made.
email: acline-thomas@newschannel5.com
