Wayne Christian School provided parents of current students with an update on Monday afternoon on the ongoing investigation into the misconduct of a former Wayne Christian employee.

An email sent from Wayne Christian Board Chairman Jonathan Smith to parents Monday afternoon read in part, “We want to update you on our cooperation with the Goldsboro Police Department. We have been informed that they have concluded their investigation, and the case has now been delivered to the District Attorney.

We understand that employee confidentiality and NC laws restrict what we can discuss; yet, we want WCS to learn from these events and take positive steps to make any necessary improvements.

On July 8, Luis Miranda informed all families that the Board would conduct a third-party comprehensive review of our internal processes and procedures.

The board has retained attorney John L. Cooley for this external audit and review. Mr. Cooley’s law practice is located in Virginia, although he is also able to practice law in North Carolina. Mr. Cooley is an accomplished attorney with a rich background in corporate and educational law.

Mr. Cooley has represented religious organizations for over 35 years, including serving as counsel for the Association of Christian Schools International. Mr. Cooley has agreed to serve us in our desire to improve and grow stronger as a school, and per the Board’s request, will provide an impartial report to the Board with recommendations.

Mr. Cooley has received all of our policies and procedures. He has spoken with Board members and Mr. Miranda already. He will be contacting all appropriate staff, personnel, and particular individuals. We also understand that some of you might want to share your insights with Mr. Cooley. You may email him any pertinent information that might assist him in this review at [email protected]

We understand that a thorough review takes time, and we continue to ask for your patience and understanding during this process. We seek to improve our school and hold fast to our commitment to safety and accountability.”

Wayne Christian initially sent an email on May 20 informing parents that the employee in question had been removed from campus and that the appropriate authorities had been notified. The email did not name the employee who had been removed from campus.

The email also reiterated Wayne Christian’s commitment to the safety and well-being of its students.

On May 22, Wayne Christian sent a second email to parents addressing the speculation centering around the employee who had been removed from campus.

That email stated that the school became aware of the employee’s alleged misconduct on May 10, and Wayne Christian promptly reported those allegations to local authorities and removed the employee from campus.

The second email also noted that Wayne Christian was cooperating with the Goldsboro Police Department and that the school was legally unable to provide any information regarding the details of the investigation.

On June 21, Wayne Christian School emailed the parents of students for the third time regarding the investigation into the misconduct of a former employee.

That email read in part, “First and foremost, on behalf of our administration and School Board, we are saddened by how the school year ended and the circumstances that caused distress within our school. Please know that we remain fully committed to ensuring the safety and well-being of our students, faculty, and families.

Our school is actively cooperating with the Goldsboro Police Department to address the situation. Sergeant Warren and Investigator Borden are the investigators assigned to this matter.

Due to the sensitive nature of the ongoing investigation, we cannot provide any details at this time. From the outset, authorities advised us not to share any information to maintain the integrity of their work.

We are fully cooperating with law enforcement and are committed to transparency and accountability as the investigation progresses.

We ask for your patience and understanding as investigators continue their work. In the meantime, please join us in praying for wisdom and clarity throughout this process.

We are taking proactive and decisive steps to demonstrate our unwavering commitment to accountability and improvement. We will be bringing in a third party to conduct a comprehensive review of our internal processes. This will help us identify areas for enhancement and ensure that we continue to adhere to the highest standards of integrity and safety.

We understand that trust has been impacted. However, we want to reassure you that we are dedicated to regaining it. Please know that we are still on this mission together. Wayne Christian School remains a place where we treasure Christ, train minds, and transform lives. Our commitment to this vision is unwavering.”