Several residents urged the Patrick County School Board to lift a trespass notice against Leo White during the board’s meeting on Wednesday, Sept. 18.
White said “the unjust and illegal trespass” was placed on him by Schools Superintendent Jason Wood on August 14, after “I came into this building (Patrick County School Board Office) to exercise a fundamental right that we have in this country … to do some FOIA (Freedom of Information Act) requests. I came in this building, and I recorded in the public property, public lobby, I didn’t go anywhere I wasn’t supposed to,” he said.
White said he questioned Wood and Amanda Holt, the school division’s FOIA officer, about a previous FOIA request that was denied. “So, again that’s another fundamental right, under the First Amendment that’s publicly addressing the government,” he said.
White told the board that Wood issued the trespass notice on Aug. 14, after White visited the school board office to submit FOIA requests. White said he recorded footage in the public lobby without going into restricted areas and that his actions were within his rights.
At no time was he disorderly. White said he also did not curse or threaten anyone. He also let Wood know he recorded the cameras outside and inside the School Board Office. At the time, he was not told by Wood that filming the location of the security cameras was against the law or a crime.
White said he was later informed via email that the school division considered his recording of surveillance cameras at the building as “concerning behavior,” leading to the trespass order. “I didn’t break the law, I did nothing wrong, and yet I’m being treated like a criminal by this gentleman right here,” White said, pointing to Wood.
White argued that the trespass order prevents him from being involved in his son’s school life, including attending his football practices. “My son is suffering because I can’t be there. What’s being done to him is wrong,” he said, urging the board to overturn the notice.
Valerie Loy, speaking on behalf of herself and others, called White’s situation “appalling,” and questioned why his child should suffer for what she described as a legal request. “What does the administration have to hide?” she asked, and alleged hearing about mismanagement within the school division from several other sources.
“It’s already out there. We already know it,” she said. “But to tell this gentleman here he cannot go see his child at school for no more than going up and asking for something is definitely wrong,” Loy said. “It was filmed that he was not a threat to anybody. We as the public have a right to know about the children in these schools. We pay tax dollars,” she said.
Trena Anderson also spoke in support of White, accusing Wood of using trespass orders to retaliate against parents filing legal FOIA requests. “Transparency in government is essential,” she said, warning that citizens will not stand for having their rights denied.
After the meeting, Wood reminded students, families, staff, and community that the school system’s first priority is to maintain the safety of all students and staff.
“The comments stated that someone should not receive a trespass notice unless they break the law,” but he noted “when people break the law they’re fined or arrested, which is entirely different than a trespass notice.”
Wood said a trespass notice “is intended to prevent any behavior that could jeopardize the safety of students and staff. As school employees, we cannot attempt to diminish or rationalize someone’s behavior; we must act out of an abundance of caution. I would hate to think we failed to act, and a situation escalated, and at that point, it was too late.
“We want people to understand that in the event someone receives a trespass notice, the school system may make concessions if that individual is a parent/guardian,” Wood said. “For example, a parent or guardian could be allowed to bring their student to school late or pick them up early as long as the parent/guardian contacted the school prior to their arrival.
“In addition, a parent/guardian could be granted permission to pick up their child at their school in case of an emergency. I have approved many concessions to ensure parents/guardians do not bear any hardships when dealing with their student attending school,” he said.
Regarding FOIA requests, Wood said the school division complies with the Code of Virginia and fulfills appropriate FOIA requests.
“Certain types of records and information are exempt from release under FOIA, such as personnel records or student records. Records relating to the security of public buildings are also exempt from FOIA when its disclosure would jeopardize the safety or security of any person or facility,” Wood said.
In other matters, the board:
*Heard from Dr. Matt Hurt, who works for the Comprehensive Instructional Program (CIP), a consortium of public-school divisions in Virginia that work together to improve student achievements measured by the Standards of Learning (SOL) testing. Hurt praised Patrick County schools as being impressive, particularly in its dedication to teaching its students and SOL scores, given that the division has a high relative poverty rate.
*Heard the superintendent’s report.
*Approved the consent agenda.
*Approved proposed revisions to the division’s gifted plan.
*Approved the 2024 annual comprehensive plan review.
*Approved policy updates as presented.
*Approved the personnel report as amended.
*Approved RE2024-2025-5313.
