WILLIAMSBURG, Va. — Parents in Williamsburg are demanding change at their childs' middle school.
The Williamsburg-James City County school superintendent appointed a new principal at James Blair Middle School yesterday, Chief of Staff for the school division, Dr. Corey Murphy.
The change comes after complaints from parents about student behavior, safety, the learning environment and lack of order inside the school.
Many parents 13News Now spoke with said bullying is also a huge concern.
“One day, my son said, 'I don't know when it's going to be my turn to get beat up for no reason,'” one mom said. “I know boys in the 6th grade afraid to use the bathroom.”
Dr. Murphy is replacing Ty Harris, who is now serving as the school’s associate principal. Dr. Murphy said there have only been eight reported incidents of bullying at the school this year.
“It's a new school, and a new culture needs to be set and established and that's why I'm here,” Dr. Murphy said.
In a letter to parents, the superintendent said in instances where they make an administrative change, they consider several factors including instruction and student progress, school safety and leadership of staff.
Dr. Murphy said they're also strengthening security. He said they're in the process of hiring a school safety officer.
“Rest assured the students are safe,” Dr. Murphy said. “Parents should know their students are in good hands.”
Parents said they want to see action before it gets too late.
“There's bullying everywhere, it's how you follow through,” one parent said. “You can write it in black and white how we don't tolerate it but it's how you follow through.”
The full letter from the superintendent can be read below: