The Flagler County school district announced on Nov. 25 that Belle Terre Elementary Principal Terence Culver would retire in early January. Culver’s retirement takes place as he is under internal investigation over numerous issues cited in a complaint and by whistleblowers. On Tuesday, a complaint was also filed with the Flagler County Sheriff’s Office alleging theft of PTO funds. Stephen Furnari, an attorney in Flagler Beach and the author of the complaint against Culver, decided today to come forward publicly.
By Stephen Furnari
On September 24, I submitted a “citizen complaint” pursuant to Flagler Schools’ School Board Policy Section 650. In this complaint, I requested that the District investigate violations of the law, school board policy and professional standards of conduct allegedly committed by Terrence Culver, the Principal of Belle Terre Elementary School.
The Complaint contained an aggregation of allegations made to me by several district employees and volunteers through the course of my investigation of the work culture at BTES following a highly publicized incident involving the alleged abuse of a student with autism.
The allegations in the Complaint included:
● Misappropriation of Funds
● Sexual Harassment and Hostile Workplace
● Discrimination and Nepotism
● Retaliatory Practices and Violation of Whistleblower Policy and Laws
● Defamation and Libel
● Gross Mismanagement
● Violation of ESE Laws and Regulations
District employees and volunteers who made these allegations were unwilling to come forward on their own because they feared retaliation by Culver or his colleagues. I reported to the District that, despite state whistleblower laws and district policy prohibiting retaliatory practices, these persons have witnessed their peers get berated, receive demotions and transfers, be terminated and more for reporting problems about BTES or Culver.
District administration confirmed with me that it would investigate the allegations made in the complaint and those made by the whistleblowers; however, at this time, neither the whistleblowers nor I have been formally advised as to the outcome of these investigations or any resolution reached with Culver.
My impression was that district administration took these allegations seriously and, as of this date, they have ensured that the whistleblowers were not subject to retaliation for coming forward with their complaints.
Based on recent statements made by district administration to the press, it is my understanding that Culver recently announced his retirement. I have received no formal explanation from the District as to whether Culver’s decision was, in any way, related to its investigation. The public can draw their own conclusions as to the timing of Culver’s announcement.
The staff of Belle Terre Elementary School has endured a toxic workplace for years, and they owe a debt of gratitude to the brave whistleblowers who came forward to share their stories. We hope that by showing how these whistleblowers were protected from retaliation, other Belle Terre staff members will continue to come forward and share their experiences.
In the long run, it will only benefit our community’s school system and Flagler County’s students. I look forward to the possibilities that new leadership will bring, including healing Belle Terre’s workplace culture and improving outcomes for all students, including those with disabilities.
Stephen Furnari, an attorney and exceptional student education advocate, is the co-founder of Flagler ESE Advocates (FEA), which serves as a voice for parents of students with disabilities receiving exceptional student education in Flagler County.
Teacher says
This is the unfortunate truth. Over the past several years I have seen faculty and staff subject to the abuse outline in the above article. I can only hope that the school board decides to hire a leader from outside the school, perhaps even the district. That school needs a principal that can lead in a new direction.
Name (required) says
And to think…. These little kids think it’s all just education, human development, nurturing, nutrition, social grace, ABC’s and 123’s…
what fools.
Sara Jane says
Mr. Furnari, thank you so much for all that you do for the community of Flagler county. I know you have been a voice for many who cannot speak for themselves, as a parent of a child with special abilities I appreciate you and your family.
Jeff says
Typical.
CB from PC says
Well cry me a river. So you have endured the toxic workplace for years. The last 25 years many of us have had to put up with a workplace where any type of fun or camaraderie is gone. No Christmas parties, no going out for beers at lunch on Friday, no jokes, discussions or comments which although funny might “offend” someone or hurt their eggshell psyche. Lighten up.
Just a Mom says
I am an involved parent and my children are very active in activities both during and after school. As a parent, Dr. Culver has been great to my family. I cannot speak on how he treats the faculty or anything else. Thank you for showing our children what is looks like to be black and successful. Thank you for showing our men how to be gentlemen. Thank you for expecting more. All the best to you and your family.
Just another mom says
My daughter endured bullying from a group of girls for years and I was in Dr Culver’s office numerous times and he did absolutely nothing about it. Nothing! It was very obvious why. The school system should of got rid of him years ago!
Former Student says
I was a student there and Dr. Culver never did much. I was smart enough to not trust him.
A says
There are no fools here. This behavior should not be tolerated.
Why should the children be in the know of misappropriation of funds and sexual harassment?
Mr. Culver was given this role as their leader.
He failed the children, the teachers and the school as a whole.