Hamilton County Schools comment on Chatt Prep’s graduating class

UPDATE (3/14/2025):  We’re now hearing from Hamilton County Schools regarding Chattanooga Preparatory School’s graduating class.

“Our top priority is supporting the students at Chattanooga Prep and safeguarding their academic progress. We are currently verifying senior credits and taking any necessary corrective actions to ensure that the Senior Class will graduate on-time. We are hopeful that all 50 seniors will graduate on time, but more collaboration is needed before we can state this definitively.

Hamilton County Schools and Chattanooga Prep continue to work together to address the recent concerns regarding teacher licensure and ensure compliance with state requirements. Through our collaborative efforts, we have identified a few of Chatt Prep’s 50 teachers are not eligible for a teaching license, permit, or waiver. We are actively taking steps to secure the appropriate certifications, waivers, or permits for the remaining teachers to ensure all instructional staff meet state guidelines.

As we move forward, we are committed to strengthening procedures for verifying teacher eligibility to prevent future issues. Through ongoing collaboration and accountability, we are confident in our ability to resolve this matter so that Chattanooga Prep can continue providing a high-quality education to its scholars for years to come.”

-Hamilton County Schools

UPDATE (3/14/2025):  The Tennessee Charter School Center (TNCSC) has released a statement in support of Chattanooga Preparatory school regarding the recent discovery.

TNCSC released the following statement:

“There is no law that would specifically prevent these students from graduating or invalidate their credits based solely on the licensure status of the teacher in the classroom. The state does not issue credits or diplomas and therefore would not be in a position to reject these credits or prevent a student from graduating. Issuing credits is a local issue. Chattanooga Prep makes awards credits and diplomas. We hope Hamilton County will not pursue any action that would negatively impact any student.”

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – A major charter school in Chattanooga is under fire after a shocking teacher licensing scandal. 

Hamilton County Schools says nearly half of Chattanooga Preparatory School’s teachers are unlicensed, putting student credits and graduation eligibility in jeopardy. 

The investigation began after former 8th-grade teacher Kenya White was arrested for child solicitation. 

That discovery led to a deeper probe, uncovering that 21 out of 45 teachers at Chatt Prep were not properly licensed, putting student credits and seniors’ graduations at risk. 

A joint statement released by Hamilton County Schools Superintendent Justin Robertson and Interim CEO of Prep Public Schools Micah Bess reads as follows:

“Hamilton County Schools and Chattanooga Prep are working together to ensure that Prep meets or exceeds its high standards for hiring personnel.  Prep has accepted HCS’s offer to send HR staff to work with Prep’s employment attorney, who is currently auditing Prep’s files, to review Prep’s HR processes and to recommend any changes. Chattanooga Prep is grateful for the willingness of HCS to work collaboratively toward a resolution that benefits every student at Chatt Prep – and Hamilton County.”

Following the scandal, Principal Diamond Kelley resigned, and HR Director Dr. Angelnetta Ulmer retired early. 

The county accuses Chattanooga Prep of misrepresenting teacher credentials and failing to report violations to the state, breaking Tennessee law and its charter agreements. 

Now, parents and students are left in limbo, unsure of what comes next.

Meanwhile, school leaders insist they are working to fix the issues, but the future of Chatt Prep remains uncertain. 

The school board will vote on April 17th. 

If revoked, the closure would take effect at the end of the school year, though Chatt Prep will have the option to appeal. 

For now, students and families wait to see if Chatt Prep can make the necessary changes or if the school will be forced to close its doors.