Leslie Hicks, Principal
She is currently (4/2023) at Timberview Middle School but was at Mountain Ridge Middle School for almost 25 years. In January 2020 she was at MRMS as assistant principal, she had been there 3 years. Before that, she was a teacher in several subjects for three different grades and an intervention coordinator at MRMS, and for two years at Rampart High School.
Background
- She has done many interviews in trying to find teachers for her schools. It's very important that they put the best people in front of their kids.
- As part of onboarding, employees are given information on how to report violations within the school.
- Before an interview, communication is with the secretary to set up an appointment.
- After the interview, if the candidate is chosen, they reach out to references and then reach back out.
- A resource teacher serves as a case manager for students with disabilities and works as a co-teacher in classes with a general education teacher and would also be responsible for making sure that children follow rules.
- Every teacher is involved in classroom management, it's part of the role of a teacher.
Hiring Letecia
- There were open applications for MRMS.
- Letecia Stauch applied for a resource teacher job, a teacher for students in special education or with IEPs.
- Hicks interviewed Letecia. She points her out as the defendant.
- Letecia interviewed at the school in person. There were three people on the interview team. She was asked how to manage students academically, manage classroom behavior, etc.
- Exhibit 207 is a text message thread between herself and Letecia.
- Letecia’s response: "I have iMessages, I will email you".
- Response: "I emailed you back".
- At that point, Letecia had completed the email and Hicks was in the process of checking references; Hicks had trouble getting ahold of references.
- She asked Letecia for additional references.
- Connie Huddle was a reference given with a South Carolina area code. It was associated with Al Stauch when she called it.
- Finally, she was able to reach “Connie Huddle”. A female answered and Hicks could hear children in the background. Hicks asked if it was Connie, the person said no - defense says it's hearsay. The call was just a few seconds long. One of the phone numbers listed for Connie was Gannon and Laina's phone.
- After this, Hicks did not have any concerns with the application process regarding Letecia.
- sunzu’s note: despite not being able to get ahold of references?
- Letecia provided a resume which listed a doctorate degree from Liberty University; it is not Hicks’ role to verify that information.
- During the interview process, Letecia did not ask to be referred to by any other names. Her emails were signed Dr. Stauch.
- They did eventually hire her. Hicks and the other two on the panel decided to move forward.
- Hicks did the reference checks and then ultimately Hicks and the principal decided to move forward.
- HR does a process too and then they have Letecia come to the school. This was January 22nd 2020.
January 16 2020: "Hi Tecia, this is Leslie Hicks at MRMS. I left you a phone message yesterday. Can you call me or email me. I'd like to talk to you about the resource teacher position."
January 17 2020: "Hi Tecia, this is Leslie Hicks again. I sent you an email yesterday, is it possible for you to get back to me today."
Letecia at Work / Crisis
- On January 21st, 2020, Letecia texted "what time do I be there tomorrow?"
- Hicks’ response:
- On January 22nd, 2020 Letecia texted:
- Hicks responded it is her choice whether she wants to interview tomorrow but she will need a sub and plans to cover the class she would miss. Letecia said she was just trying to do the right thing because they told her to do the fingerprints too: "I didn't want to stand anyone up and wanted to be loyal to our school too."
- At 8AM the next day she had not done her fingerprinting or filled out the paperwork required. Hicks said it was typical of someone who was a new employee.
- Hicks last saw Letecia in person on Friday January 24th in the morning. She was at work and working and meeting the kids. She was running the class.
- She did not appear to be going through a mental health crisis to Hicks.
- On January 27th, at 3AM Letecia texted Hicks:
- Another message, at 4:37AM said the same thing.
- Hicks saw the messages in the morning. At 5:50 AM she responded:
- At 7:21 AM Letecia responded:
- At 7:32 AM Hicks said:
- Letecia responded and was angry:
- Hicks responded:
- It's procedure to contact a supervisor and help find coverage when an emergency absence occurs but she had not gone through that training yet.
"Hi Tecia, we're so glad to have you. The work day begins at 7AM. You don't need to bring anything specific, there will be a sub you have the opportunity to shadow. Sherri Fuller, our SPED department leader will be there tomorrow as well."
"Good evening, I wanted to ask your guidance about what to do about tomorrow. I had scheduled that interview at the district office before getting hired. I understand they probably have someone in mind but I don't wanna burn any bridges and would like to at least let them know my interest in moving up later even if its a year or so. I know we have to all start somewhere. What do you think is the best approach to take? Thank you."
"I'm sorry for the time of night message but my step father passed away. Someone hit him with a car while he was walking. I can update you at a later time."
"oh my goodness Letecia, I'm so sorry. Shall we try to find a sub for you today?”
"?? it's a parent. all my family lives on the east coast. I'm trying to find a way to get there".
"ok, I'm just trying to understand your plans so we can find coverage. Am I understanding you will not be in today?"
"yes, it's my parent. I can't believe that would not be an assumption in a time like this."
"I am so sorry for your loss and we will support you but I cannot make assumptions. I do need some direction from you. We will get a sub today. Please let us know what else you need moving forward"