FROM:           Ray West, Superintendent

DATE:            May 15, 2015

RE:                 Statement Regarding Investigation of a Former Employee

I am writing this statement to provide some insight into the ongoing school and criminal investigations involving a former Shelbyville ISD employee.  Since the investigations are ongoing and involve possible criminal misconduct, I am limited in offering specific information related to the case.  However, I can provide the following:    

Shelbyville ISD received phone calls on Friday, May 8, 2015, complaining about possible misconduct by a teacher at Shelbyville High School.  After meeting with the teacher on Monday, the district initiated an internal school investigation. Very early in the investigative process, Shelbyville ISD contacted local law enforcement to oversee the investigation, since the case included the possibility of criminal wrongdoing by a school district employee.  On Wednesday, May 13, 2015, Johanna Vickers, a teacher at Shelbyville High School, resigned from the school district.  At the time of her resignation, Ms. Vickers noted she was resigning for “personal reasons” and did not admit to any wrongdoing related to the investigation involving her and a Shelbyville High School student.  At that time, the investigation had not yet uncovered any credible information tying Ms. Vickers to a criminal act.  However, since that time, it appears the investigation has uncovered evidence of possible criminal wrongdoing.  It has been reported that Ms. Vickers has been charged with improper relationship between an educator and student, and sexual assault of a child.  Based on the information provided so far, the charges involve interaction with one high school student.  Shelbyville ISD will continue to assist local law enforcement officials as they conduct their investigations.  Also, due to the severe nature of these allegations, Shelbyville ISD will be contacting the state enforcement officials to look into the possibility of revocation of teaching credentials.

It is imperative that we allow enforcement officials to uncover the facts from their investigation without an atmosphere of unnecessary rumors or speculation “clouding” the fact-finding process they must engage in.  I would be remiss if I did not remind everyone that when bad things happen, many people are often affected.  In this case, friends and family of those involved need to be considered.  It is a sad day for all of us when anyone does not live up to high standards we all expect from educators.  Nonetheless, Shelbyville ISD’s faculty and staff remain unyielding in our commitment to provide a safe and positive learning environment for our children.  Thank you.