Note: this entry was sent anonymously to the full list of WVA parents. It is presented here without edit.
John Treu,
Is this your definition of openness and transparency? Disabling comments on Facebook posts that directly challenge your assertions about individuals not caring for the school and spreading misinformation? Your actions couldn’t be clearer in signaling an attempt to manipulate and craft a false narrative to preemptively counter the valid claims being raised. I reiterate my question: How many children have departed from WV Academy in the past two weeks?
You exhibit behavior inconsistent with the expectations for someone in a position of responsibility. Your communication style lacks the finesse required for effective dialogue, often bordering on intimidation to enforce compliance. It is notable that those who dare to question you, Heidi, or Holly end up becoming targets, along with their children.
Furthermore, your actions have led to the exclusion of any parental representation on the board, leaving you as the sole member with a child in the school. Notably, other board members such as Holly, Kevin, Susan, and a friend from Utah have no children enrolled. This strategic move appears to be a deliberate effort to maintain control over the narrative, preventing parents from being fully informed about the school’s happenings.
Turning attention to the recent addition to the board, Carolyn, her track record raises concerns. Accusations of bullying, attempts to stifle opposition, racially charged comments towards immigrants, and allegations of fund misuse paint a troubling picture. Attached articles and additional information, available on the provided websites, shed light on these matters.
https://kutv.com/news/crisis-in-the-classroom/charter-school-denied-4m-allotment
https://charterschoolscandals.blogspot.com/2010/11/american-preparatory-academy.html
https://dianeravitch.net/2018/11/19/utah-why-the-secrecy-around-this-lucrative-charter-chain/
https://kutv.com/news/beyond-the-books/beyond-the-books-apa-charter-school-blew-nearly-500k-in-botched-expansion-plan
https://www.abc4.com/news/local-news/apa-students-hold-demonstration-for-zero-tolerance-of-racism/
https://www.thespectrum.com/story/news/2016/05/22/utah-charter-schools-spend-public-funds-private-companies/84755042/
https://kutv.com/news/beyond-the-books/nevada-charter-school-ends-business-ties-with-american-preparatory-schools-in-utah
It is crucial to acknowledge that individuals may interpret interactions with Carolyn differently, allowing readers to form their own conclusions from the presented blogs. However, it is notable that she appears to share similar concerns that people have with you, including a lack of transparency, accountability, and instances of bullying and intimidation.
The decision for parents to enroll their children in a school with such volatile, irrational, and reactive leadership is perplexing. Gaslighting tactics can only be effective for so long, as evident from both numerical data and personal anecdotes. The removal of parents from the board and the ACF further raises concerns about the school’s direction.
A significant issue lies in the administration’s penchant for gossip, creating an environment observed by various individuals at different levels. The incident involving Heidi wanting to involve law enforcement with Glen Larew, a notable donor, raises questions about the leadership’s modus operandi – fostering volatile situations and then resorting to legal measures with everyone from donors, to prior parents, and to children.
On the matter of the Preston County Campus, the lack of transparency is troubling. When were you going to inform the families that the agreement to use that place has been terminated effective October of 2023. The discrepancy between ongoing discussions in December with Yass and the newspapers, and the resolution agreement in October, which indicated the abandonment of the project, is perplexing. The loss of a donated building and land begs the question of accountability.
Your leadership abilities come into question with the ongoing poor decisions that impact the school community. It seems evident that the welfare of children is not the primary concern for you, Heidi, and Holly. Those trying to shed light on these issues are doing so out of concern for the children and parents affected by these decisions. Collaboration with families and board members could have been a more constructive path, but the chosen approach may not lead to favorable outcomes.
Attacking families, their children, and their character is another regrettable decision that only adds fuel to the fire. Your actions have contributed to a negative perception of charter schools in West Virginia, potentially reinforcing the state’s initial reservations. It is essential to remember that the current situation is a result of your actions, and people respond not out of hatred but as advocates for school choice and the well-being of the WV Academy, refusing to be silenced.
At one point, we were steadfast supporters of both you and Heidi, openly advocating for your cause. We understood and empathized with your concerns and reservations fueled by the persistent attacks from the community. However, we can no longer afford to make excuses on your behalf. As genuine advocates for school choice, honesty and transparency are paramount. Failing to uphold these principles risks validating the beliefs of the state of West Virginia and its taxpayers – that charter schools lack accountability and operate outside the bounds of standard regulations.
Voices of West Virginia Academy 
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