Henry County Students United

Why do we exist?

Henry County Public Schools has had many issues, and frankly, school and district staff do not care what students have to say.

The many issues facing Henry County

Henry County Public Schools has had many issues. Many are caused by students, many by staff. The underlying problem is the school district. Parents, students, and teachers disagree with many decisions made by school administration and board members.

Some examples of issues

On November 29th, 2023, Ola Middle School was warned that a student carried a knife for multiple consecutive days, and they failed to take action. is currently being sued for 3 million after a student was stabbed 14 times in the face. The student now has injuries to her face, chest, neck, shoulder, and more faces. (source)

This could have been prevented. — Ashley Wilson, the mother of the victim

On October 27th, 2023, a paraprofessional ("para") at Dutchtown Elementary School hit 5 students because they forgot their Chromebook charger. The students were in 4th grade. The school also refused to confirm the identity of the adult who hit the 4th graders. (source)
On October 12th, 2023, A Hampton Middle Schooler parents says her son (a 7th grader) was sexually assaulted when three boys pulled down his trousers and underwear in front of a group of children. The mother says the children are still at the school, while her child is being homeschooled. (source)
I don't feel like they can keep my son safe. If that happened to him, what else can happen to him? — Osborne, the mother of the victim
On October 2nd, 2023, multiple schools were locked down after a fight broke out at Stockbridge High School, where one student use scissors to attack another (source)
In January 2023, Locust Grove High School administration has enacted a policy which teachers have to take the students to the bathroom in groups. Teachers often delay or restrict bathroom usage.
On April 22, 2022, students at Locust Grove High School staged a protest after a student African-American who slapped a caucasian for saying the n-word was suspended, but not the student who actual word. (source)
I just want some change. I'm just tired of the inequality in the school. — Layla Moreau, a protest organizer
In 2017, a teacher named Sheri Mimbs was fired after (allegedly) not giving students inflated grades and she filed a whisleblower complaint. She then sued the school, but wasn't even able to start trial because the statue of limitations expired (Sources: Georgia Supreme Court Judgement, Georgia Court of Appeals Ruling)

Are these issues really the fault of the school administration?

There are multiple parties that share blame. For most of these, it's clear that school administration has a track record for their inaction. Others, I'd say the parents, students, and school administration share blame. Parents don't care, and the school administration does not care enough to try and make them care.

What do parents have to say about the school administration?

I took many of these reviews from Google Maps. I took reviews from only the past year. As of December 16th, 2023, the school district's main office as a 1.9/5.0 star Google rating, with 59 total ratings. You can see more from yourself here.

We cant just post reviews we need to get out and vote so that our children will have the appropriate people in office that will actually care about their education. Many years ago Henry County schools were very organized and trustworthy and now you can not get a phone call back regarding your children and their best interest. We need to attend these Board meetings and speak up for our children. The people in certain positions are there because they made sure their people showed up and voted we can not just worry about the presidential elections we have to worry about the local ones as they are affecting us the most! Henry County needs to do better! — Tiffany Summers, posted in September 2023

The bus transportation system in Henry County has been a source of frustration for many parents, including myself. It's disheartening to witness the inadequacies of the system, which often leaves our children waiting at school for extended periods, sometimes up to two hours after dismissal. This not only disrupts their daily routines but also raises concerns about their well-being, as they remain unfed during these lengthy waits. It's high time that the county addresses these issues and prioritizes the safety and timely transportation of our children, ensuring they have a seamless and nourishing school experience. — Arav Patel, posted in October 2023

This Board absolutely does not have the best interest of a special needs child at heart. Parents are not listened too. The board does whatever they want "by the book" not by the child!!! It's so unfair to put a child who has made progress in a setting where there is no room for growth and learning for them only regression! They claim parents have rights when really you have none and if you disagree it doesn't matter. This school system is an absolute joke and FAILURE to one of my children. — Jennifer Ryniker, posted in 2022

What can we do about this?

This is why we created Henry County Students United. It is a union between residents, students, and teachers of Henry County who just want change. If you want to help us, you can signup using this Google Form here. We do ask that you are tied to Henry County in some way, like working or being a student in Henry County.

Any social media?

Wanna contact us?

Come contact us over E-mail at contact@hcstudentsunited.org, or on Instagram via Direct Messages.