School Superintendent responds

Amidst a swirl of Facebook chatter, McCreary County School Superintendent Paul Brian Crawford, on Wednesday, September 6, 2023, released the following statement to The Voice and on the school district’s Facebook page in regard to the recent terminations (separate incidents) of two employees:

“On September 4, 2023, I became aware of some troubling information. Upon receiving this information, I suspended the employee involved and reported the matter to the Kentucky State Police and the Department for Community Based Services. On September 5, 2023, I made the decision to terminate the employment of one individual and to prohibit their presence on school grounds.

I assumed the role of Superintendent in June of this year, and this marks the second time I have had to terminate an individual due to concerns related to the safety of our children.

It is important to note that, prior to hiring any individual, State Law mandates that the district conducts both a National and State Criminal History Background Check, as well as a Department for Community Based Services background check, which confirms that the applicant has no administrative findings of child abuse or neglect. The safety of our children remains our utmost priority at McCreary County Schools, and our administrators are fully committed to taking swift action to safeguard our students.

I want to express my gratitude for the community’s unwavering dedication to the safety of our children. Rest assured that today and every day, we will collaborate tirelessly to protect the children of McCreary County.

Sincerely,

Paul B. Crawford, Superintendent”

After the release, Crawford commented to The Voice

“Due to there being an open investigation through the KSP and DCBS, the names of the individuals involved will remain confidential.”

According to KSP, an investigation is ongoing.