Back in 2001, a school in Jasper was closed down due to numerous safety violations. Among the violations was the presence of asbestos. Last month, 10 years later, the local fire marshall was informed that classes for special needs and alternative students were still being conducted at what’s now called the Marion County Academy.
According to reporting by The Republic, alternative students had been transferred to new schools by the first part of November, but the special ed students were still there until around three weeks later. Parents told local News Channel 3 that they were surprised and outraged when a document from the State Fire Marshall’s Office became available that showed the school in violation of over 20 safety regulations that had remained neglected since 2001. The Deputy Fire Marshal released a statement which mandated that the school part of the building “be removed” due to the serious caliber of the safety issues.
A number of parents have said they will consider taking legal recourse against the school system for its negligent handling of severe safety problems over the period of a decade, according to The Republic. Schools must adhere to stringent safety standards and provide safe learning environments for all students at all facilities and locations. Has your child been injured at a Tennessee school by an accident you believe resulted from the reckless neglect of school officials? Contact the Tennessee personal injury attorneys with Massey & Associates, P.C. at (423) 396-0720 for a free and confidential review of your case today.
Gary Massey, Jr., is a well-known courtroom advocate practicing law in Chattanooga, Tennessee. Gary is a native of Tennessee who began practicing law in 1998. He graduated from Cumberland School of Law where he was ranked in the top 3% of his class and was an editor of the Cumberland Law Review.
