The White County Schools Director Kurt Dronebarger was the subject of Sparta Police and White County Sheriff’s Department intervention on July 31 after his wife called 911 expressing concern that he had threatened harm to himself, according to public reports from the White County Sheriff’s Department.
The director’s wife reportedly told the sheriff that this was the second time he had threatened harm to himself in the last few months, according to the Sheriff’s report of the incident.
Dronebarger remains on the job in White County despite increasing concerns in the community over the failure of the School Board to address the issue internally or publicly. His wife reportedly advised the Sheriff that she believed he needed a mental health evaluation and six months off to relieve stress. The White County school district also employs Dronebarger’s wife as Family Services Director. According to Jennifer Rigsby, the Human Resources Director for the school system, Mrs. Dronebarger does not report directly to her husband. Nevertheless, TCA 49-2-202 (a)(3)(C) does impose restrictions or require transfer of family members who are in a straight line of supervision by those meeting the definition of family members.
State Representative Paul Sherrell (R-43), whose district includes White County, says the situation is “disturbing and deserves a full and complete independent investigation in order to ensure the safety of both the school district and the director.”
Dewayne Howard, a former White County School Board member, expressed concern about the lack of transparency regarding the situation by both the school board and the county commission. “Something like this should have a thorough outside, independent investigation and the Director should be put on unpaid leave for a full mental evaluation for both his protection and the protection of the community, the school district and the students,” Howard pointed out. “If there are other issues that surface regarding the Director that would result in a teacher being fired, then the Director should be treated in the same way.”
“According to reports from law enforcement, I find this situation quite alarming. It’s essential for any school employee, including a director of schools, to seek mental health counseling whenever there is a perceived risk to themselves or others,” according to JC Bowman, executive director of Professional Educators of Tennessee. At this time, the school board has taken no action with respect to the Director.
After the July 31 interaction with the police and sheriff’s department, Mr. Dronebarger refused care or treatment by EMS personnel who were also on the scene at his home.
Mr. Dronebarger did not return calls for comment on this story. However, Dronebarger acknowledged on Warrior media, the school system, media site, late Thursday afternoon, that he had suffered a suicidal incident in July.”
Steve Gill is editor and publisher of TriStar Daily.
