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Dave Smith, Director of Transportation, at the School Board Office. 1 was told that he knew of the situation, but that was all he could say. He also told me that it was my right to make a complaint with the Sheriffs Office.
On Wednesday, Oct. 18th, I went to the Sheriffs Office to once again try to lodge my complaint. The dispatcher told me I needed a deputy to take my complaint. After a brief discussion with Major Streapy, the dispatcher said I must wait for Sheriff Woodward. I sat and waited. When Sheriff Woodward arrived he once again said it was their policy that the school make the complaint, not me! He said that in the past there has been a backlog on the court docket with children versus children cases. My case happened to be a grown man cursing and threatening bodily harm on a school bus load of children. After telling all the facts to Sheriff Woodward over and over again, he finally called the Magistrate, and I was allowed to make my complaint. A warrant was issued.
After some research I have found that I have the right to make a complaint on anyone at anytime. I’m sorry the courts are backed up, but is that any reason for me to lose my rights as a citizen? This whole situation was both time consuming, taking 2 1/2 to 3 hours, as well as aggravating. Being naive and taking what Sheriff Woodward said as truth has led me to believe that his dedication and loyalty is not to the citizens of this county. I thank you for allowing me to air my grievances.
KARLA MILLER
Flint Hill
Editor s Note: Sheriff Woodward, Commonwealth's Attorney Peter Luke, and David Smith at the School Board were all contacted because there is a policy between the three offices regarding discipline at the public schools.
Sheriff Woodward said that all problems that happen on school property or on the school bus are handled by the school system first. After all avenues of the school system ha\e been exhausted, if the situation warrants it, people can file a complaint and see a magistrate to get a warrant. He denied that he said anything about a backlog, saying, "We try to keep the court systems from being overloaded from problems that happen ex’ery day. We try not to get involved in the school’s business unless they ask for it. "
Peter Luke said that the Commonwealth tries to let the school have the first opportunity to solve discipline problems, and if parents come
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