MCPS releases statement after review of Blacksburg students found dead in 2023
MONTGOMERY COUNTY, Va. (WFXR) — The Montgomery County School Board has released a statement following the third-party review into the deaths of two Blacksburg High School students in 2023.
As we previously reported, on Nov. 7, 2023, Serenity Hawley and another student were found dead inside a car at a parking garage, near Virginia Tech. On Jan. 30, 2024, the school board passed a resolution requesting a third party to review the circumstances related to the teen’s death.
The school board requested the Gentry Locke law firm to conduct an analysis and provide them with legal advice and recommendations to support its consideration of school officials’ compliance with relevant policies, procedures, regulations, and laws.
Here is the statement:
During the course of the review, the Gentry Locke team conducted more than 23 interviews
with Montgomery County Public School employees and members of the Blacksburg High
School community. The legal review also evaluated records obtained from the Blacksburg Police
Department, reviewed emails between faculty members and Central Office staff, and collected
and reviewed emails between various faculty members and students. The review considered
relevant student videos, school policies, student files, and publicly accessible social media
accounts. The information gathered was then evaluated to determine compliance with relevant
federal and state laws and regulations, and relevant policies and procedures.
Those interviewed were questioned as to their knowledge of the circumstances surrounding the deaths of the students and the extent of any relationship they had with the students. School employees were asked about their awareness of school policies regarding harassment, bullying, and Title IX, and what training, if any, was provided in these areas to faculty, staff and students. The interviews also explored employees’ understanding of the mandatory reporting requirements under state and federal law and school policies. Employees were also asked about the application of threat assessment policy and procedures, and the impact on school services of personnel moves and funding cuts that occurred prior to the deaths.
Following an extensive review and legal analysis of the records received and the information obtained from witnesses, Gentry Locke presented its report to the School Board on April 23, 2024. The report’s factual findings detailed a time of significant change occurring within the school division around the time of the students’ deaths. The report also outlined systemic failures within the school division related to Title IX compliance, the initiation of threat assessments, and compliance with law enforcement Memoranda of Understanding (MOU). As a result, the report made recommendations related to additional training needs designed to address these concerns. The School Board is in the process of evaluating the report and determining what additional
actions may be necessary.
WFXR News is working to learn more about the details of the report.
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