Voices of West Virginia Academy

Note: this entry was sent anonymously to the full list of WVA parents. It is presented here without edit.

WVA Families,

I would like to introduce myself but unfortunately with the circumstances that we are all now seeing unfold right in front of us, I’m terrified my children will be impacted if I do so. I’m a current parent at WVA, I’m not some person just trying to destroy the school or school-choice, and if you could meet me, you would know that. My family and I have been 100% about the success of this school and charters since it was just whispers in the community.

Please know that the concerns you are seeing circulate are absolutely valid, and to-date don’t even include the majority of issues that are truly within WVA. For context, a small group of parents have been consistently trying to make a difference, and despite what you are being told, it is from the bottom of our hearts, to do the best for everyone’s children and allow families to have the experiences and choices that they signed up for.

As someone who has already experienced this numerous times, John Treu and Heidi Treu do not think you or anyone other than them should have a voice. Should you have the courage to speak up you’ll be told your opinion doesn’t matter or is invalid. Should you continue to raise concerns, you’ll be blatantly ignored. Keep speaking, and you’ll be removed from activities that you might have been helping with, from your positions that held some say, or at worst, have your children targeted for mistreatment by them.

I know this doesn’t seem like a reality, it didn’t for me for a very long time, but it is absolutely essential that you view all sides of the story and do your due diligence to form opinions, ask questions, and brave this storm for yourselves, your kids, and your families.

We want exactly what we all signed up for, better choices for our children. The recent changes you have seen in the WVA Governing Board and Administration were directed by John and Heidi Treu. Everything you have seen is a game they are playing, you and your children are pawns, and they will do anything they can to make sure this is John and Heidi’s School Choice, not yours.

You’ve all seen the emails circulating, you’ve all seen comments circulating on social media, and perhaps have even heard talk in the community. Some of you have already begun speaking up- the comments you see from Dennis Feldman, Slaton McMahon, Kevin Bodansky, and Voltaire are accurate.

There are a handful of voices trying to take a stand and we need your voices to stand up with ours and make a big impact, a big difference. The Staff Members that you have seen “fired” or “let go” have spoken up for your children. There are some Staff Members still at WVA who cannot speak up, are harassed, and are afraid they will lose their jobs if they stand out. Some of us have already had our children affected by trying to stand up for yours, so please, find it in your hearts to take a stand.

I know it is asking a lot, you don’t know me, you can’t see me, and I can’t identify who I am for fear of retaliation against myself and/or my own children, but please know that my sole intention is to do everything to keep the school running and give back what has been taken from everyone. With John Treu and Heidi Treu still in control, your voice will not matter, and eventually WVA will not exist.

I would encourage you all, if you have had doubts, to please ask questions. Stand up and speak out against the people who think you are not worthy of having a voice.