Encompass Resolution breakdown
On June 28, 2021 private investigation company Encompass Resolution, based in Kansas City, Missouri, looked into a history of sexual abuse and misconduct allegations.
This article discusses sexual abuse within KSD and may be harmful to some readers.
Information or statements regarding sexual abuse or misconduct can be given via online form at kirkwoodschools.org/report or emailed to [email protected]. Individuals can also reach out to the district’s Title IX coordinators: Dr. Howard Fields, [email protected] or Ms. Cindi Nelson, [email protected].
On June 28, 2021, private investigation company Encompass Resolution, based in Kansas City, MO, presented their findings at the BOE meeting. Their findings included 30 KSD staff members that have been accused of sexual misconduct since the 70’s. This piece breaks down the key dates within this ongoing story and takes a look at the findings and recommendations that have resulted.
The Kirkwood School District has stated that they “Take allegations of abuse, misconduct, or inappropriate behavior very seriously. Anyone who has information related to abuse, misconduct, or inappropriate behavior by any current or former KSD staff member should call the local police department and notify the KSD human resources department.”
KSD Chief Communications Director Steph Diedrick referred TKC to the press release statements on the KSD website in which KSD superintendent Dr. David Ulrich stated, “In the coming days, we will analyze the report in detail and work to ensure all recommendations are promptly implemented. Additional investigations into allegations will be conducted, where appropriate. Through this process, we are beginning to rebuild the trust our students need and our families and community deserve.”
For more information regarding the report by Encompass Resolution, go to the page titled, “FAQs on the June 28 Encompass Resolution Report” on KSD’s website.
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- July 7, 2020: A Facebook post by alum Katie Pappageorge in the KHS alumni group message accuses a former Kirkwood teacher of sexual misconduct from the 90s. With this came six others who came forward and the investigation into Pappageorge’s case began.
- July 13, 2020: KSD Superintendent Dr. David Ulrich announces he intends to obtain “an independent assessment and investigation of the culture and climate within our schools and the district related to the reporting and handling of allegations of sexual abuse, misconduct and inappropriate behavior.”
- Aug. 31, 2020: The KSD Board of Education hires investigation firm Encompass Resolution. The firm says they should have a report on their findings by December.
- Oct. 22, 2020: KHS students are sent a survey as part of the firm’s investigation to assess the culture surrounding abuse and protocol within the high school.
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- April 22, 2021: Students complete Sexual Abuse Training program by Safe Schools during homeroom.
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- June 28, 2021: Case findings are presented to the Kirkwood School Board and recommendations are made as to how to proceed in the future.
Encompass’ Findings:
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- A general lack of knowledge surrounding the KSD policy of abuse and reporting it among the students and staff.
- A lack of trust among students in their reports being taken seriously and a perceived favoritism in how the school authorities would select which cases to review further.
- Key policies regarding reporting and handling cases of sexual abuse or misconduct are sound and consistent with other Missouri School Districts.
- There have been 30 staff members accused of sexual abuse or misconduct since the 1970s.
- There were findings of insufficient training, incomplete investigations, concerns of bias and inconsistent storage with record keeping.
We are beginning to rebuild the trust our students need and our families and community deserve. — Dr. David Ulrich
Recommendations by Encompass Resolution:
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- Outsourcing of investigations of concerns brought against administrators.
- Ongoing training for investigation personnel in addition to the upcoming scheduled training.
- Outsourcing of investigations into sexual misconduct/abuse.
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Brian Carlson • Sep 3, 2021 at 9:24 pm
Alumnus, Class of 72 Well written article. Kudos to the journalist. A year or so ago, I learned that my younger sister, younger by nine years, had been raped as a student at KHS by a very popular teacher. Nothing had been done for her. The administrator, Frank McCallie, made her feel guilty and ostracized her. The perpetrator, Jack Collier, was protected. KPD also did nothing for her. Her story, while severe, is far from unique. Over 50 years a culture of systemic sexual abuse was tolerated by subsequent administrations and the district. 30 perpetrators have been named. So far there has been no clear statement that none of these persons are currently employed at KHS. Superintendent Ulrich’s recent letter does not make this clear if read carefully. A petition is in circulation with 739 signatures already in two weeks time demanding answers from three principals. The school is not safe yet. The petion is not difficult to find on change.org. I hope students will read it and consider it. We are interested in your well being. Thank you.
Kayla Wing • Sep 1, 2021 at 6:21 pm
I am curious as to who has access to the poll/who is represented in the poll numbers (as showcased in this article)? As a reader and former student of KHS, I don’t have access or the option to vote. Is this poll open
to all Kirkwood residents and alumnus, including survivors in which the topic of discussion directly affects, or is this poll solely taking opinion from people who are informed with/have access to information only KHS outlets provide? If it’s the latter and only open to current KHS students and their families, then it comes as no surprise with that outcome — for people to still have those rose-colored glasses on because it didn’t happen to them. Can this be edited to be clarified in the article for more transparency as to who is being polled? Thanks!
Katie Pappageorge • Sep 1, 2021 at 5:30 pm
I’d also like to clarify details about my case, as it’s mentioned in the article. Six girls were identified as victims of this perpetrator, but we didn’t come forward for the first time in 2020. Four victims officially reported abuse to the school in 1997. I reported to KPD in 2019. This is covered in the released portion of the Encompass report. I hope students and staff take the time to read it.
Anya Overmann • Sep 1, 2021 at 3:43 pm
I second the comments of Katie. Unfortunately, this narrative echoes the one the district would prefer to have told rather than the truth. The district still will not assure the public that none of the 30 named in the report are still employed at the school. This article makes it seem like the district is moving forward for the better when this is, unfortunately, yet another nefarious attempt to coverup abuse in the schools. Kirkwood students: please be aware that you’re being censored. The adults who say they’re caring for your well-bring and your freedom of speech are not being truthful. Continue to question everything. Us survivors want better for you.
Katie Pappageorge • Sep 1, 2021 at 1:52 pm
This is admirable work by a student journalist, but I would like the community to know that survivors of the abuse at Kirkwood were not interviewed for this article and it doesn’t represent how most of us feel. The petition and current responses to the Encompass Report are not mentioned, and I doubt the reporter would have chosen to omit that. I have heard that the current principal and staff advisor for The Kirkwood Call are huge advocates for the First Amendment in student journalism, but this doesn’t appear to extend to criticism of the principal. These are the places where free speech is actually tested.