FLAGLER COUNTY, Fla. — A principal and teacher are on administrative leave after an assembly singled out Black students at Bunnell Elementary School.
▶ WATCH CHANNEL 9 EYEWITNESS NEWS
Flagler County Schools is apologizing, saying the intention was to encourage the group of fourth and fifth graders to perform better on tests.
On Thursday, interim superintendent Lashaika Moore said nothing about the assembly was appropriate and that the assembly should have never happened. Now, there is an investigation into how and why it did.
Moore issued a formal, public apology nearly a week after the assembly separated black students from their classmates.
READ: Flagler Schools criticized for hosting assembly that singled out Black elementary students
“My main point was to speak with the families that were impacted and so that … remains a priority,” she said.
One page of a Powerpoint presentation used during the assembly was titled “The Problem,” followed by a bullet point that says “(African Americans) have underperformed on standardized assessment for the last past three years. Only 32% are at Level 3 or higher.”
Other slides offered competitions as solutions and fast-food incentives for students who got their scores up.
READ: Police: Driver accused of approaching children in Eustis was miscommunication, police say
“Why an assembly of this style was chosen, I am not sure but I am confident that is likely going to come out,” Moore said.
Superintendent Moore is holding a public forum next week for parents and community leaders to share concerns and solutions. She said further action could be taken against school staff depending on what the investigation finds.
READ: Feds to refund over $9 million in student loan debt relief scam; do you qualify?
This browser does not support the video element.
Click here to download our free news, weather and smart TV apps. And click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live.