In response to numerous inquiries, the Williston Basin School District #7 (WBSD7) is committed to transparency and providing clarity on recent investigations at Wilkinson Elementary.
The following assessments and investigations were conducted:
1. Assessment by the ND Institutional Child Protective Services (ICPS) regarding Wilkinson Elementary
2. Independent investigation of the Wilkinson Principal by the North Dakota School Board Association’s General Counsel
3. Criminal Investigation by Williston Police Department
The comprehensive 16-page report resulting from the independent investigation conducted by the North Dakota School Board Association's (NDSBA) General Counsel concluded that the Wilkinson principal violated applicable federal and state laws, and several school district policies, procedures, and expectations in connection with his handling of the incident on November 27, 2023, and related events involving treatment of learners in the resource room at Wilkinson Elementary.
Among six specific violations outlined, the report states that the Wilkinson principal "likely violated his obligations as a mandatory reporter under [Century Code] when he failed to promptly report suspected child abuse relating to the concerns and complaints received from parents and building staff regarding [Special Education Teacher's] physical interactions with students... Rather than reporting this suspected conduct as required, [the principal] conducted his own investigation and independently determined that he did not have sufficient evidence to confirm child abuse had occurred. [The principal] admitted that he was unable to conclude that the special education teacher had not caused physical harm to the student.”
The report outlined, "[Principal] violated district policies FF (Student Conduct and Discipline) and FCC (Restraint or Seclusion) by secluding, and allowing staff to seclude, Student A in the small sensory room inside the resource room on November 27, 2023. Student A was kept locked in the sensory room for an excessive period of time than was necessary and as a means of discipline. [Principal] also allowed the use of mechanical restraints through the use of slide-locks, as well as holding doors closed to prevent students from leaving. [Principal] also failed to properly ensure that staff monitored Student A continuously while placed in seclusion on that date."
Read the Full NDSBA Investigation Report Here
An overview of the Assessment by the ND Institutional Child Protective Services (ICPS) regarding Wilkinson Elementary was reviewed in yesterday's press release.
Read the Full ICPS Assessment Report Here
The Williston Police Department's investigation report was turned over to the attorney general’s office for review of possible charges.
The North Dakota Education Standard and Practice Board (NDESPB) is aware of the investigation findings and is responsible for any licensure review.
For more information, contact:
Paula Lankford
Director of Public Relations
Williston Basin School District #7
(701)572-1580 ext.01023
paula.lankford@willistonschools.org
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