Press release from the Oskaloosa Community School District:
OSKALOOSA – Oskaloosa Schools continues to investigate the incidents associated with last week’s Homecoming-related activities. We are committed to keeping our community informed and provide the following updates:
More than 80 students have self reported their involvement. We appreciate their willingness to step forward and take responsibility. Students will be interviewed and parents contacted.
Students whose involvement was limited to toilet papering will receive a warning and learning opportunity. Students are expected to be fully honest about their involvement; dishonesty may result in additional consequences.
An independent investigator has been retained by Oskaloosa Schools to lead the investigation into the serious misconduct.
Students involved in property destruction, threatening behavior, racial language, or other serious misconduct may face Good Conduct Code violations, criminal charges, and additional consequences.
Because of the good-faith response from our students self-reporting, the Homecoming Dance will be rescheduled for a date to be determined.
School Leadership and the High School Student Council will work together to develop a student-led plan for future Homecoming celebrations that are safe, healthy, respectful, and fun. More information will be released soon.
We extend our sincere apologies to our students, families, staff, and the entire community. The difficult decisions made in response to these events affected many people who had no involvement in what occurred, and we recognize that impact. Our focus now is on learning and moving forward. We will partner with our student leaders to build a better approach to Homecoming, one that preserves the fun and tradition while ensuring everyone can celebrate in a safe, healthy, and loving way that does not cause harm to others.
Oskaloosa is a community of good people. While none of us is perfect, we have an opportunity to learn from mistakes and continue moving forward together. We believe in our students and the good they can do. This is an opportunity for us to all grow in empowerment and inspiration. Information about the Homecoming Dance and future plans will be shared as it becomes available.
