QPS superintendent issues new public statement in wake of Denman Elementary controversy

QUINCY — The head of Quincy Public Schools issued a statement Friday morning after a heated school board meeting Wednesday that questioned the district’s commitment to address parental concerns over the conduct of two physical education teachers at Denman Elementary School.

Todd Pettit set out to reassure those who spoke at the meeting that their comments were taken seriously about years of conduct that included taping of students’ mouths and birthday spankings. He said the administration did all it could to get input from those directly involved after a November 2024 DCFS investigation concluded that the conduct of teachers Kimberly Kirby and Jennifer Oitker was inappropriate, but did not rise to the level of criminality or abuse.

“We hear those in our community who are frustrated, sad, disappointed, and even angry about the events and how QPS has addressed the situation,” Pettit’s statement read. “While we cannot force or compel anyone to agree with the manner it was handled, we are hopeful that people can acknowledge, or even respect, that QPS has sought to follow the facts and evidence wherever it led. We have been open to and sought to interview any parent and/or student who has raised a complaint and accepted an invitation to meet in person or by phone.”

Multiple Denman parents have told MRN they wished to come forth to talk about their child’s interaction with the PE teachers and and were told their testimony was no longer needed. One parent reached out to QPS officials on July 12 and was told:

The statement did not answer some key questions parents raised at the most recent board meeting: what discipline, if any, was handed out to the teachers, and will they be at Denman this upcoming school year.

“We understand that these events have caused some to consider whether or not they want to continue to have their children educated in QPS,” Pettit said. “I know that trust must be earned and maintained through action, not just words. It is my sincere hope that all will continue to enroll their children in QPS. We love and welcome all of the children of our community. However, please know I respect and honor a decision to no longer do so.”

Pettit originally told Muddy River News on Wednesday that he would stick with his original Facebook statement issued in July.

That followed a series of MRN reports on the state and local investigations and claims by at least one Denman parent that the conduct did not stop, as stated by Pettit, in November.

This latest attempt to clarify the administration’s stance on the issue ended with him insisting that QPS is not trying to brush things under the rug, and he urged everyone to recognize the dedicated educators who fill the district, some committing more than 20 years to the care of children.

During Wednesday’s meeting, parents also raised concerns about Kirby having pictures of their children on her personal Facebook page, but she had blocked them from seeing her personal page.

Pettit sent a note to QPS staff this morning reminding them of the district’s social media policy:

“As a reminder, in accordance with QPS Board Policy 5:125, staff should not post photos of students on personal social media accounts under any circumstances,” Pettit wrote. “Each school has an official social media page managed by designated staff. These pages are the appropriate place to showcase the great things happening in our classrooms each day. If you have something you’d like to share, please send it to your building principal or the designated social media person in your school.

Denman Elementary PE had its own Facebook page that was taken down following Wednesday’s School Board meeting. That site was run by Kirby, and certain parents say they were blocked from the page after they had raised concerns about the teachers’ behavior.

Kirby also had pictures of students on her personal page, according to several parents, that have recently been removed.