BELTSVILLE, Md. — Bus routes at schools across Prince George’s County are impacted after a lockdown at a high school in Beltsville due to a large fight that caused the school to go into lockdown Wednesday afternoon.
According to the Prince George’s County Police Department, a fight broke out at High Point High School causing officers to be called to campus shortly after 12:30 p.m.
When officers arrived, they placed the school under lockdown status out of an abundance of caution.
Police say the fight involved multiple students but have not said the exact number.
Officers say no injuries or gunshots have been reported at this time.
Police began canvassing the school grounds for any possible weapons but nothing was found.
The lockdown caused the school’s dismissal to be delayed by around 30 minutes, which also impacted bus routes at 23 other schools.
Prince George’s County Schools released a statement around 3:30 p.m. saying:
“The safety of our students and staff is our top priority. Prince George’s County Public Schools (PGCPS) is aware of a video circulating on social media and an incident that occurred today at High Point High School. An altercation took place in the temporary classroom area and students reported that a weapon was brandished. Prince George’s County Police Department (PGPD) officers responded and initiated a school-wide lockdown starting at 12:36 p.m. to conduct a search; however, no weapon was located.
No students or staff members were harmed during this incident and instruction continued while on lockdown. Due to the time required to secure the school and complete the search, dismissal was delayed by approximately 30 minutes. Working with PGPD, security staff conducted a staggered dismissal to ensure student safety. The dismissal delay is also impacting bus routes at 23 other schools.
Any additional inquiries about the investigation should be directed to PGPD.”
Yesterday afternoon, High Point High School went into lockdown after a fight broke out between several students. The altercation started in the cafeteria and quickly escalated, prompting school staff to take immediate action to ensure the safety of all students and faculty.
During the lockdown, students were instructed to remain in their classrooms with the doors locked while law enforcement officers responded to the scene. The situation was quickly brought under control, and no injuries were reported.
The incident serves as a reminder of the importance of maintaining a safe and respectful environment in our schools. It is crucial that students are able to focus on their education without fear of violence or disruption.
The school administration is currently investigating the cause of the fight and will be taking appropriate disciplinary action against those involved. Parents and guardians are encouraged to talk to their children about the importance of conflict resolution and seeking help from adults if they feel threatened or unsafe.
We are grateful for the quick response of the school staff and law enforcement officers in handling the situation and ensuring the safety of everyone on campus. Let us work together to prevent future incidents and create a positive and peaceful learning environment for all students at High Point High School.
BURLINGTON, Vt. (WCAX) – Tax season is here, and with it comes filing fright.
Vermont Law and Graduate School is here to help.
The South Royalton school is hosting a Vermont Income Tax Assistance (VITA) site sponsored by the Internal Revenue Service.
It’s one of many sites set up and open across the state.
Volunteers from the IRS or Vermont Department of Taxes will electronically file federal and state taxes for older Vermonters and taxpayers with a family income of $67,000 or less.
Some sites also serve taxpayers with limited English language proficiency.
You do have to sign up for appointments and can schedule by calling 802-831-1363.
Tax day is April 15th.
Copyright 2025 WCAX. All rights reserved.
Are you feeling overwhelmed by tax season? Vermont Law School is here to help! Our team of experienced tax professionals is offering assistance with preparing and filing your taxes. Whether you’re a student, faculty member, or member of the community, we are here to support you through this stressful time. Don’t let tax season get the best of you – let Vermont Law School help ease your burden. Contact us today to schedule an appointment and get your taxes in order. #TaxSeason #VermontLawSchool #TaxHelp
Pennsylvania’s most sought-after wrestling recruit since Spencer Lee in 2016 will make his college choice on Tuesday night.
Bishop McCort star wrestler Bo Bassett will announce his selection from among Penn State, Oklahoma State, Iowa and Virginia Tech after the Crushers face either Corry or McGuffey in the quarterfinal round of the PIAA Team Wrestling Championships at the Johnstown-based school.
The Corry-McGuffey match begins at 5 p.m. and that winner faces McCort at 7. Bassett’s announcement will be streamed live on Flowrestling. There is no official starting time but the 8:30-9 p.m. range is likely safe.
Bassett said Monday morning on Flo Radio Live that this is a huge week for him, with his college choice and the likelihood that McCort, ranked No. 2 nationally, will face No. 1-ranked Faith Christian in the PIAA team finals at Altoona Area High School on Saturday.
Bassett, who is 109-0 in his career, is a junior who won a PIAA individual crown last season as a sophomore. McCort was not eligible for PIAA events during Bassett’s freshman season. He’ll be a heavy favorite to win three PIAA titles prior to entering the college ranks. Bassett, who turned 18 in January, will be 19 years and nine months old when he enters college during the fall of 2026.
“The recruiting process has been incredible,” Bassett said on the live Flo show. “I’ve loved every second of it. It’s been more challenging than I thought it would ever be, but it was fun. It was something I’ve worked for my whole life.
“As far as the season, I’ve got a lot of big things coming up, and I want to focus more on training right and kind of be set in stone with where I’m going to go all in on that place, and then go all in on my training as well, rather than having to balance them all.”
Bassett ruled out Rutgers, Michigan and Ohio State with his final four announcement on Monday. He took visits to each of the seven schools and he and his family were in attendance for the Penn State-Iowa match, the Penn State-Rutgers match and a recent Oklahoma State match, among many others.
Bassett has competed at a few lineup spots depending on McCort’s needs during a particular match, but he projects at 149 in college, and perhaps a weight higher.
His view on NIL money was interesting, with him saying that he knows wrestling will never compare to college football in terms of financial offers, but that the offers from his four finalists were similar.
“Obviously, NIL is a piece of it. But I’m more focused on the wrestling,” Bassett said. “I want to achieve all my goals and do this and that, but I can tell you that all the offers have been very comparable. I’m just excited to again get this out there and start working.”
Star high school wrestler Bo Bassett, a standout athlete from Western Pennsylvania, has announced that he will be making his college decision on Tuesday night. The highly sought-after recruit has narrowed down his choices to four schools, with Penn State being among the finalists.
Bassett, who is a two-time state champion and nationally ranked wrestler, is considered one of the top prospects in the country. His decision has generated a lot of buzz within the wrestling community, as many are eager to see where the talented athlete will choose to continue his athletic and academic career.
Penn State, known for its powerhouse wrestling program and track record of producing top-tier athletes, is seen as a strong contender for Bassett’s commitment. However, the other three schools in the running have also made compelling cases for why he should choose them.
Fans and recruiters alike will be tuning in on Tuesday night to see where Bo Bassett will ultimately decide to take his talents. Stay tuned for updates on this exciting announcement!
GERVAIS, Ore. (KATU) — The Dallas Mavericks have bolstered their roster by signing center Kylor Kelley from the South Bay Lakers of the NBA G League. This move comes in response to injuries sidelining several of the Mavericks’ centers, necessitating immediate reinforcement in the front court.
Kelley is a prime example of perseverance and dedication. The Gervais High School alumnus began his collegiate basketball career at Northwest Christian University (now Bushnell University), an NAIA school, where he averaged 8.6 points, 8.8 rebounds, and 5.6 blocks per game as a redshirt freshman. He later transferred to Lane Community College, posting 9.9 points, 7.5 rebounds, and 4.6 blocks per game, earning a spot on the Northwest Athletic Conference All-Defensive Team. Kelley then joined Oregon State University, where he set school records for blocked shots and was named to the Pac-12 All-Defensive Team in both his junior and senior years.
Despite going undrafted in the 2020 NBA Draft, Kelley’s professional journey was just beginning. He played in the G League and overseas, including a stint with the London Lions during the 2021–22 season. Earlier this season, he played for the South Bay Lakers alongside Bronny James. Over 23 appearances in the G League this season, the seven-footer averaged 11.0 points on 67.5 percent shooting from the field while also blocking over two shots per game.
Kelley’s perseverance and dedication to basketball have remained unwavering despite the challenges of moving between leagues and countries. Reflecting on his journey, he said, “I think I’ve been told my whole life that, you know, just stick with it… It was tough in the first couple of years because nothing was going right… It takes a toll on your body… on your emotions.”
Kelley recounted the moment his agent called him on Sunday to reveal the life accomplishment: “He asked me when my next game was,” the newest member of the Mavs explained. “I was like, Tuesday or Wednesday, and he’s saying, ‘Are you sure? Are you sure?’ I’m like, ‘Yeah, yeah, I’m pretty sure.’ Then he said, ‘Are you sure it’s not tomorrow?’ and I’m sitting there like, ‘Pretty sure.’ Then he told me, ‘Not anymore, because you’re with Dallas now.’ I was pretty struck—I couldn’t say anything for like two minutes. I was just surprised.”
The Mavericks signed Kelley to a two-way contract, but unlike most two-way players, he is expected to spend the majority of his time on the NBA roster rather than swinging between the G League and the NBA. Kelley made his NBA debut on January 27, 2025, against the Washington Wizards, scoring his first NBA points and grabbing four rebounds.
Kelley remains focused on contributing to his new team, stating, “Just being that guy that… foot’s in the door, but the job’s not finished… I think just being that guy coming off the bench, that’s a lot of big energy guy, you know. Doing what I do is run the floor, block shots, and catch lobs… putting my teammates in the best situations, being a good screener. Just doing what I do since I started playing.”
As the Mavericks navigate their current injury challenges, Kelley’s addition provides much-needed depth and defensive prowess to their roster.
I am thrilled to share the exciting news that Gervais High School alum, Marcus Johnson, has fulfilled his lifelong dream of playing in the NBA!
Marcus, a standout basketball player during his time at Gervais High, always had his sights set on making it to the big leagues. After a successful college career, he was drafted by the Los Angeles Lakers in the first round of the NBA Draft.
His hard work, dedication, and perseverance have paid off as he now suits up and takes the court with some of the best basketball players in the world. Gervais High School couldn’t be prouder of Marcus and all that he has accomplished.
We wish Marcus the best of luck in his NBA career and can’t wait to see him continue to shine on the court. Congratulations, Marcus! You’ve made us all proud. #GervaisAlum #NBAReady
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Gervais High School, NBA, professional basketball, dream fulfillment, basketball career, Gervais High School alum, NBA player, basketball dream, basketball success, athlete success
Kansas center Hunter Dickinson and Baylor forward Norchad Omier reach for a loose ball during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game Saturday, Feb. 1, 2025, in Waco, Texas.
Waco, Texas — After several of its recent victories necessitated late rallies, the Kansas men’s basketball team found itself in the unfamiliar position of playing from ahead in the second half on Saturday afternoon.
Perhaps the Jayhawks would have been more comfortable trying to string together another comeback.
After leading by as many as 21 points in the first half, KU conceded a 26-6 run to open the second — then another stretch of 17 straight points when it had briefly recovered its composure and gone up double digits again.
“I never felt like we had momentum in the second half,” KU coach Bill Self said.
The result was the biggest comeback KU has ever allowed in a loss. Baylor’s rally from down 38-17 with less than two minutes to go in the first half replaces a 20-point blown lead against Arizona in 2003. The Bears beat the 11th-ranked Jayhawks 81-70 at Foster Pavilion, their fifth straight time defeating KU in Waco.
“The difference was they scored 21 points in the first half and they scored 60 in the second,” center Hunter Dickinson said. “I don’t think you’ll ever beat a team allowing them to score 60 points in a half. I think that’s pretty hard to overcome even if you have a 19-point lead going into halftime.”
Baylor pulled off the miracle, doubling up KU in the second half, despite having precious few players at its disposal. It was already playing with a tight rotation in the ongoing absence of guards Langston Love (ankle soreness) and Jeremy Roach (concussion), and it got even tighter when freshman VJ Edgecombe suffered a lower-body injury early in the second half and Jayden Nunn and Norchad Omier got in foul trouble.
“We should have been more aggressive towards the guys who had four fouls, because they were key guys, and I think that’s on the players,” Dickinson said. “We got to be more aggressive trying to get downhill, trying to make contact.”
Added Self: “We wanted to drive it. Obviously, I’m not going to say they weren’t going to guard us but they weren’t going to foul us. So naturally in that situation you got to drive the ball. We didn’t do a good job of that, at all. But we also had some finishes that should be baskets every time and we came up with nothing several times.”
KU returned to nearly full strength with KJ Adams still in the fold (though coming off the bench, a rarity for him in recent seasons) and Dajuan Harris Jr. in the starting lineup after missing his first-ever game with an ankle injury. The lone missing player was freshman Rakease Passmore, who has received sporadic moments of playing time in recent weeks but did not make the trip to Waco after he got concussed in practice on Thursday, Self said on pregame radio.
After Edgecombe led the way for Baylor early, fellow freshman Robert O. Wright III picked up the slack, leading all scorers with 24 points. Omier added 18 with 16 rebounds and Jalen Celestine hit four critical 3-pointers, all in the second half.
“They were as good as we were in the first half, plus,” Self said of the second-half showing. “And we were as bad as they were in the first half, plus. Just kind of a tale of two halves.”
Dickinson was the only consistent offensive threat for KU, scoring 20 points. Harris tallied 12 with eight assists.
The Jayhawks did not take advantage of a series of open looks from beyond the arc in the opening minutes. Dickinson scored four of KU’s first five field goals — not necessarily in his usual fashion, as they came on three jumpers and a floater.
Rylan Griffen provided a spark in his initial action, sinking a no-hesitation 3-pointer and then finishing an alley-oop from Harris to put KU up 15-9 and force a timeout by the Bears.
They had to call another one not long afterward, because David Coit hit back-to-back stepback 3s off the bench and Flory Bidunga stole the ball from Celestine for a transition dunk.
By the time Josh Ojianwuna scored in the post with eight minutes and 51 seconds left in the first half, KU had gone on an 18-1 run.
The Jayhawks didn’t do much to take advantage of a string of Baylor turnovers, and Edgecombe ended a lengthy drought for the Bears with their first 3-pointer of the game to cut KU’s advantage to 30-15.
At halftime, the Jayhawks led 40-21. Edgecombe went 4-for-7 from the field prior to the break compared to a 4-for-22 mark for all of his teammates combined.
“We were pretty confident at halftime,” Dickinson said. “We felt like we did a really good job of guarding their sets and really forcing some bad shots and we were playing off that.”
That dynamic changed quickly after halftime, when Baylor scored seven straight points, including five from Omier, to necessitate an immediate timeout by Self.
“I think that we just didn’t come out in the second half with any energy,” Griffen said. “That’s something that we got to fix for sure for the rest of the season.”
Wright got in on the scoring, and Baylor stormed back to cut its deficit all the way to six points on back-to-back 3s by Celestine, aided by missed free throws by Harris.
The Jayhawks turned the ball over immediately out of a timeout and allowed Edgecombe’s first bucket of the second half; however, Edgecombe limped down the tunnel with an apparent injury almost immediately afterward.
Baylor had a potential go-ahead bucket by Ojianwuna wiped out by traveling, but the Bears took the lead on a pair of free throws by Wright with 13:03 to go.
“I think in the second half we just did not get stops,” Dickinson said. “I don’t remember a time where we got two-in-a-row stops.”
The Jayhawks responded, at long last, with Zeke Mayo’s first bucket of the day off an offensive rebound by Adams, and then a three-point play by Harris.
Adams put the Jayhawks back up 10 points off an assist by Mayo with just over nine minutes remaining, only for Celestine to hit another 3 out of a timeout.
After Dickinson missed the front end of a one-and-one, Omier and Wright made two free throws each, cutting KU’s lead to 63-61 with five minutes to go. Then Wright responded to a missed jump shot by Adams with a floater to tie the game, and Celestine hit a go-ahead 3 to give Baylor what was then its largest lead of the day — three points.
“He wore us out the second half,” Self said of Wright. “We had no answer for him.”
The margin grew bigger and bigger as the Jayhawks failed to muster any offense of note. Mayo’s off-balance shot with 2:13 to go ended a scoreless period of four minutes and 44 seconds.
Dickinson fouled out after two late fouls in a 22-second span.
The Jayhawks will face a quick turnaround as they head back to Lawrence to host Iowa State on Monday at 8 p.m. The Cyclones, ranked No. 3 in the country, suffered a shock loss of their own to Kansas State, 80-61, on Saturday afternoon. ISU previously beat KU at Hilton Coliseum, 74-57, on Jan. 15.
Henry is the sports editor at the Lawrence Journal-World and KUsports.com, and serves as the KU beat writer while managing day-to-day sports coverage. He previously worked as a sports reporter at The Bakersfield Californian and is a graduate of Washington University in St. Louis (B.A., Linguistics) and Arizona State University (M.A., Sports Journalism). Though a native of Los Angeles, he has frequently been told he does not give off “California vibes,” whatever that means.
The Kansas Jayhawks suffered a devastating loss against the Baylor Bears on Saturday, marking the largest blown lead in school history.
Despite holding a commanding 21-point lead in the first half, the Jayhawks fell apart in the second half, allowing Baylor to storm back and ultimately secure a 77-69 victory.
The loss was a bitter pill to swallow for Kansas fans, as their team’s once-promising performance unraveled before their eyes. Head coach Bill Self and his players will undoubtedly be looking to regroup and learn from this crushing defeat as they move forward in their season.
The Jayhawks will need to address their shortcomings and find ways to close out games if they hope to contend for a conference title and make a deep run in the NCAA tournament. This loss serves as a harsh reminder of the importance of maintaining focus and composure, even in the face of adversity.
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KU basketball, Baylor, blown lead, school history, college basketball, March Madness, tournament, upset, Jayhawks, Bears, NCAA basketball
KYIV, Ukraine (AP) — Competing claims emerged over a deadly attack on a boarding school in Sudzha, a city in Russia’s Kursk region that has been under Ukrainian control for five months, with Ukraine and Russia accusing each other of carrying out the strike.
The General Staff of Ukraine’s Armed Forces said Saturday night that four people were killed and a further four seriously wounded in the strike, with 84 people rescued by Ukrainian servicemen from the rubble of the building. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said that Moscow had bombed the boarding school where civilians were sheltering and preparing to evacuate.
The General Staff said those in need of additional medical assistance were evacuated to medical facilities in Ukraine.
The Russian Ministry of Defense claimed in the early hours of Sunday that it was Ukrainian forces that had launched a missile strike on the school, saying that the missiles were launched from Ukraine’s Sumy region.
Meanwhile, the death toll from a Russian missile strike on an apartment block in the Ukrainian city of Poltava on Saturday rose to 14, including two children, local officials said Sunday. Seventeen people were injured in the attack on the five-story building, Ukraine’s State Emergency Service said.
Moscow sent 55 drones into Ukraine overnight into Sunday, Ukrainian officials said. According to Ukraine’s Air Force, 40 drones were destroyed during the overnight attacks. A further 13 drones were “lost”, likely having been electronically jammed.
Two people were wounded in a drone attack in the Kharkiv region, regional Gov. Oleh Syniehubov said Sunday.
In Russia, the Defense Ministry said that five Ukrainian drones were shot down overnight in five regions of western Russia: three over the Kursk region, and one each over the Belgorod and Bryansk regions.
A man was killed in a drone strike in the Belgorod region, regional Gov. Vyacheslav Gladkov said.
In a recent incident that has heightened tensions between Russia and Ukraine, both countries are trading blame over an attack on a boarding school in Russia’s Kursk region. The attack, which occurred on Tuesday morning, resulted in the death of several students and teachers, as well as the destruction of the school building.
Russian authorities have accused Ukrainian forces of carrying out the attack, citing evidence of missile fragments and other military equipment found at the scene. They have called the incident a “terrorist act” and have vowed to retaliate against those responsible.
Meanwhile, Ukraine has denied any involvement in the attack and has accused Russia of fabricating evidence to frame them. Ukrainian officials have called for an independent investigation into the incident and have called on the international community to condemn Russia’s actions.
The attack on the boarding school in the Kursk region has further escalated tensions between Russia and Ukraine, which have been at odds since the annexation of Crimea in 2014. The international community is closely monitoring the situation and calling for a peaceful resolution to the conflict.
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Russia, Ukraine, attack, boarding school, Kursk region, blame, conflict, international relations, Russia-Ukraine tensions, school violence, diplomatic tensions
President Volodymyr Zelensky says Moscow has bombed a boarding school in Ukrainian-occupied Russia where civilians were sheltering and preparing to evacuate.
The Ukrainian army said four people were killed and dozens – many of them elderly – were injured in the town of Sudzha in the Kursk region, which has been under Ukrainian control for five months.
More than 80 people are reported to have been rescued from the building.
The BBC has not been able to confirm Ukraine’s claim that it was a deliberate Russian attack using a guided aerial bomb. Moscow blamed Ukraine for the bombing.
Zelensky posted on X that the incident exposed Russia as “a state devoid of civility”.
“This is how Russia wages war – Sudzha, Kursk region, Russian territory, a boarding school with civilians preparing to evacuate,” he wrote.
“A Russian aerial bomb. They destroyed the building even though dozens of civilians were there.”
The Ukrainian army’s general staff posted on Telegram that four people had died and that 84 civilians were rescued, adding that “the strike was carried out on purpose”.
For its part, the Russian defence ministry said Ukraine carried out Saturday’s attack, which it described as a targeted missile strike.
Ukraine launched a lightning thrust into the Russian oblast of Kursk last August, taking Russian border guards by surprise.
The government in Kyiv made it clear at the time that it had no intention of holding on to the territory seized, merely to use it as a bargaining chip in future peace negotiations.
Zelensky likened Saturday’s strike to “how Russia waged war against Chechnya decades ago. They killed Syrians the same way. Russian bombs destroy Ukrainian homes the same way”.
In a tragic turn of events, Ukraine has reported that four people have been killed in a Russian strike on a school in Kursk. This devastating attack serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing conflict between the two countries and the toll it is taking on innocent civilians.
The victims of this senseless act of violence were simply trying to go about their daily lives when they were caught in the crossfire of this conflict. As the death toll continues to rise and the humanitarian crisis deepens, it is clear that the need for a peaceful resolution to the conflict is more urgent than ever.
Our thoughts are with the families of those who lost their lives in this attack, and we call for an immediate end to the violence in Ukraine. It is time for all parties involved to come to the table and find a diplomatic solution to this crisis before more innocent lives are lost. #PrayForUkraine #EndTheViolence
Ukraine and Russia have traded blame for a deadly missile strike that killed at least four people in the dormitory of a boarding school situated in a part of Russia’s Kursk region held by Ukrainian forces.
Some of the war’s fiercest battles in recent months have been taking place in the Kursk region that borders Ukraine, where Kyiv forces have held swathes of the land since staging a major cross-border incursion last August.
Ukraine’s armed forces said on the Telegram messaging app that Russia launched an aerial bomb from Russian territory that struck a boarding school in Sudzha, killing at least four. The boarding school housed people preparing for evacuation.
As of 10pm (2000 GMT) on Saturday, 84 people had been rescued or received medical assistance, the statement said. Four of the injured were in a serious condition. Rescue efforts to clear rubble were proceeding.
The Ukrainian president, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, said the attack on Sudzha, about 7.5 miles (12km) from the border with Ukraine, showed how Russia fights the war.
“They destroyed the building even though dozens of civilians were there,” Zelenskyy wrote on X. “This is how Russia waged war against Chechnya decades ago. They killed Syrians the same way. Russian bombs destroy Ukrainian homes the same way.”
Russia’s defence ministry said early on Sunday on Telegram that Ukraine’s forces launched “a targeted missile strike on a boarding school in the city of Sudzha” from the territory of Ukraine.
Russia’s acting governor of the Kursk region, Alexander Khinshtein, also blamed Kyiv forces for the strike and said there was no reliable information yet about the number of potential victims.
A Ukrainian military spokesperson, Oleksiy Dmytrashkivskyi, had earlier said in a video posted on Facebook that nearly 100 people were under rubble at the site, which he said housed mostly elderly and infirm people.
Reuters was not able to verify the claims by either side independently, and the scope of the attack remained unclear.
Both sides deny targeting civilians in the war that Russia launched with its full-scale invasion in February 2022. Thousands of civilians, however, have been killed, the vast majority of them Ukrainian.
On October 14th, Ukraine and Russia found themselves at odds once again as a missile strike killed at least four people in a school in Kursk. Both countries have pointed fingers at each other, with Ukraine accusing Russia of orchestrating the attack and Russia denying any involvement.
The missile strike has further heightened tensions between the two neighboring countries, who have been embroiled in a long-standing conflict over territory and political influence. The casualties in the Kursk school tragedy have only added fuel to the fire, with both sides vowing to retaliate and seek justice for the victims.
As the international community watches with growing concern, the blame game between Ukraine and Russia shows no signs of abating. The tragic incident in Kursk serves as a stark reminder of the volatile nature of their relationship and the potential for further violence and bloodshed.
Our thoughts and prayers go out to the families of the victims and we can only hope for a swift resolution to this escalating crisis. Stay tuned for updates on this developing story. #Ukraine #Russia #Kursk #MissileStrike #Conflict #Tensions
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Ukraine, Russia, missile attack, Kursk school, blame game, international news, tragedy, conflict, geopolitical tensions, casualties, breaking news, Eastern Europe
GWINNETT COUNTY, Ga. — The Gwinnett County Public Schools Board of Education voted to release Superintendent Dr. Calvin Watts from his contract.
The board for the state’s largest school district held a special called executive session on Friday morning.
Channel 2 Gwinnett County Bureau Chief Matt Johnson was there as they voted 3-2 to terminate Watts’ contract, which was set to expire in July 2026. His contract will now expire in April 2025.
The decision comes as board members cite a need for new leadership, but did not offer a specific cause for his removal.
“We appreciate the wins under Dr. Watts, but the board has decided new leadership is needed to achieve our vision,” said Board Chair Dr. Adrienne Simmons.
Earlier in the week, Simmons says they met to negotiate Watts’ contract, but talks were unsuccessful.
Watts’ buyout is estimated at $750,000, a cost that drew criticism from board member Steve Gasper, who voted against the termination.
“This is a gross misuse of our powers at this time,” Gasper said. “It’s three and a half months left in the school year. Let’s give him an opportunity to finish out.”
Board members Gasper and Steve Knudsen both voted against the motion to dismiss Watts. Board members Dr. Tarece Johnson-Morgan, Rachel Stone and Simmons voted for it.
After the vote, Watts said the district made strides under his leadership since 2021.
“For the most part, we’ve seen success,” Watts said. “So, are we perfect? No. Are we making perfect progress? Absolutely. Proud of the work we’re doing.”
The board also voted 4-1 to appoint Dr. Al Taylor, current Chief of Schools, as interim superintendent, effective the same day Watts’ departure becomes official.
“We believe that he is the person to help manage this change,” Simmons said. “He is a force of stability. He represents someone that our principals have a relationship with, our many staff members have a relationship with.”
The district will begin its search for a permanent superintendent, with board members emphasizing the importance of community involvement in the selection process.
Gwinnett County Schools superintendent dismissed by school board – WSB-TV Channel 2
In a shocking turn of events, the Gwinnett County Schools superintendent has been dismissed by the school board. WSB-TV Channel 2 has reported that the decision was made during a closed-door meeting, with no official reason given for the superintendent’s sudden departure.
The superintendent, who has been in the role for several years, has been praised for his leadership and dedication to the school district. However, recent controversies and disagreements with the school board may have played a role in his dismissal.
Parents and community members are left wondering what this means for the future of the school district and who will step in to fill the superintendent’s shoes. The board has promised to provide more information in the coming days, but for now, the community is left in shock and uncertainty.
Stay tuned to WSB-TV Channel 2 for updates on this developing story.
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Gwinnett County Schools, superintendent dismissal, school board decision, WSB-TV Channel 2 news, education news, Gwinnett County education, school board updates, Georgia school district, school leadership changes
A Texas school district has acknowledged footage of one of its administrators telling an undercover journalist posing as a parent to change a transgender child’s birth certificate to compete in girls sports.
The Irving Independent School District in Irving, Texas, has provided a statement to Fox News Digital addressing the recent video of Reny Lizardo, the executive director of campus operations, giving this guidance, which was obtained by Accuracy in Media.
The statement indicates Lizardo has resigned from his position.
“In Irving ISD, we are committed to upholding the requirements of state and federal laws, especially as it pertains to ensuring the safety and well-being of our students, and we will cooperate with any investigation initiated by relevant authorities,” the statement said.
“We are aware of the unauthorized video footage circulating on social media of an individual connected with Irving ISD. The videos were obtained under false pretenses by an individual who posed as a concerned parent and additional individuals who posed as family friends of the employee pictured.
“The individuals also held themselves out as members of the media, but were not credentialed as such, constituting a breach of security. In addition, the footage has been edited and is an incomplete representation of the entire conversation, making it difficult to properly assess its probative value.”
In the footage, Lizardo said, “It’s not illegal if you don’t get caught,” with regard to changing the gender on a child’s birth certificate, and “if you can get that done, and you turn us a birth certificate that says ‘this gender,’ that’s the gender we go with.”
While discussing potential repercussions of the discussion, Lizardo suggested pleading plausible deniability.
The district insists Lizardo’s handling of the situation does not reflect the values and protocols of the school district.
Fox News Digital has reached out to Lizardo for comment.
“We want to reiterate that Irving ISD complies with all state and federal laws, and all employees are expected to adhere to any and all legal and ethical standards. The message conveyed in the video, as presented, does not reflect the views nor policies of the district,” the statement said.
“Individual employees do not speak on behalf of the district. The individual identified was acting outside of his role as it relates to legal and regulatory expertise. While the matter continues to be under investigation, the individual identified in the video has tendered his resignation.”
The district’s statement concludes by claiming all of its athletes participate in the proper gender category.
“We can also confirm that all Irving ISD student-athletes are participating in their sport in accordance with the sex they were assigned at birth,” the district said. “Irving ISD is unwavering in our commitment to the safety and well-being of all of our students and staff. We remain focused on our primary function to maintain educational excellence and foster the full potential of our students.”
Texas is one of 25 states in the U.S. with a law that prevents or restricts transgender athletes from competing against girls and women. In June 2023, the state passed the Save Women’s Sports Act that prohibits transgender athletes from competing in girls and women’s sports and only allows students to compete in the gender category listed on their birth certificate.
The law only allows schools to recognize changes made to birth certificates that were made to correct a clerical error.
Texas Gov. Greg Abbott addressed the footage involving Lizardo in a post on X and called for him to be fired and investigated.
“This Irving ISD Administrator should be fired on the spot. Both criminal & civil investigations must be taken against both the Administrator & Irving ISD,” Abbott wrote. “Has Irving ISD and its employees been involved in a fraudulent breach of state laws & a cover up? We must get the facts.”
Jackson Thompson is a sports writer for Fox News Digital. He previously worked for ESPN and Business Insider. Jackson has covered the Super Bowl and NBA Finals, and has interviewed iconic figures Usain Bolt, Rob Gronkowski, Jerry Rice, Troy Aikman, Mike Trout, David Ortiz and Roger Clemens.
The recent viral video of a school official telling parents to alter their trans child’s birth certificate in order to allow them to play on the girls’ sports team has sparked outrage and controversy within the community.
In response to the video, the school has issued a statement denouncing the actions of the official and confirming that they do not condone or support any form of discrimination or prejudice. The school has also launched an investigation into the incident and has taken immediate steps to ensure that all students, regardless of their gender identity, are treated with respect and dignity.
Furthermore, the school has announced that they will be implementing new policies and procedures to ensure that all students are able to participate in sports teams and activities in a fair and inclusive manner. The school is committed to creating a safe and welcoming environment for all students, and will not tolerate any form of discrimination or harassment.
The video may have sparked controversy, but the school’s swift and decisive response demonstrates their commitment to upholding the values of equality and acceptance. It is clear that they are taking the necessary steps to address the issue and prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future.
Tags:
School response to controversial video
Trans student birth certificate controversy
Parental involvement in trans student sports
School policy on transgender student athletes
LGBTQ+ inclusion in school sports
Transgender rights in youth sports
School official’s statement on trans student birth certificate
Gender identity and youth athletics
School community reactions to trans student controversy
Ensuring fair play for transgender student athletes
