Brainerd principal reinstated after an investigation into alleged assault
After being placed on leave pending an investigation into an alleged assault on a student by a third-party security officer, Brainerd High School Principal Crystal Sorrells will resume her duties Monday, according to a news release.
The investigation was completed by the Department of Children’s Services and upon review, Hamilton County school district officials determined the third-party security firm was secured and allowed on campus by Sorrells, according to a news release. However, Sorrells had not followed district procedure for hiring the vendor.
“After looking into the details of this incident, we know that mistakes were made,” Superintendent Justin Robertson said in a news release.
The investigation revealed the security firm was present on campus Jan. 4, the first day of school following the holiday break. Upon learning of the firm’s presence at the school, a district administrator had instructed Sorrells not to allow the firm back on campus because proper procedures for vetting and contracting with a vendor had not been followed.
However, the vendor returned to Brainerd on the morning of Jan. 5, the day the incident occurred.
“In addition to not following district policy for contracting with a vendor, a directive from supervisory personnel to not allow the vendor on campus for a second day was not followed,” Robertson said in a news release.” The safety of our students and staff is the highest priority for Hamilton County Schools, and we take these mistakes by an employee very seriously; therefore, disciplinary and corrective actions are in process.”
Robertson said Sorrells will be allowed to remain in her role due to her history with the district.
“Dr. Sorrells has a long history of being an outstanding administrator in our schools, and she is a proven and valued asset in our district,” Roberston said in a news release. “After considering all the facts, including Dr. Sorrells’ previous history as an administrator, and following a conversation with Dr. Sorrells, I have made the decision to return her to the principal’s position at Brainerd High School.”
Sorrells will undergo further training, according to a news release.
“The district will work with Dr. Sorrells on corrective action and remedial training in the areas where mistakes were made, including procedures for working with vendors, board policy and principal’s responsibilities,” Robertson said in a news release. “The district will give its full support to Dr. Sorrells and Brainerd High School as we move forward to ensure the school has the resources it needs to serve students in a safe and welcoming environment that is conducive to learning.”
The student involved in the alleged assault said he was punched in the face by a security guard because he wouldn’t take his hoodie off as he was entering the school campus. He said he was handcuffed and placed in the back seat of a Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office patrol car for three hours.
District officials said the security officer, Josephus “Joe” Reed, the owner of Bigfoot Private Enforcement, had been hired without proper authorization.
In the days leading up to the incident, emails obtained by the Chattanooga Times Free Press show Sorrells asking administrators to hire additional security.
On Jan. 3, she wrote Community Superintendent Watechia Lawless Mitchell for her thoughts about safety at the school, referencing security at the recent Chattanooga Times Free Press Best of Preps tournament.
On Jan. 4, Sorrells emailed Risk Manager Randy Poland asking what documents are required to contract a private security team.
The incident with the student occurred the next day.
“I am overjoyed to be continuing the work at my alma mater,” Sorrells said in a news release. “Know that the safety and security of our students, staff and school will remain a priority. It is not my practice to circumvent policies and procedures. I humbly apologize for distracting from the great work being done at Brainerd High School and look forward to continuing progress as we strive, thrive and grow together.”