This report investigated rumors and allegations in the areas of child abuse, mismanagement, and personnel at the Mississippi School for the Deaf (MSD).
The PEER Committee found no evidence of child abuse during the present superintendent’s tenure. This superintendent inherited prior policies, administrative procedures, academic deficiencies, and an atmosphere of disharmony. Although some charges had some basis in fact, they contained many distortions of fact, half-truths, misinformation, and magnifications of events and actions. This controversy overshadowed MSD’s primary function, the provision of quality education and care for Mississippi’s deaf children.
The Committee recommended that the full powers of the office of superintendent be restored after resolving present controversies. In addition, it was recommended that a comprehensive plan for deaf education in the state be developed.
For a paper copy of this report, contact PEER by telephone at 601-359-1226 or by e-mail at reports@peer.ms.gov.