Akron Preparatory School was closed Tuesday after threats were made to school personnel over the weekend and are expected to open Wednesday, but the parents involved say they never threatened the school.
According to a post on the school's Facebook page, an allegation was made against one of the teachers by a middle school student.
A police investigation ensued, and the school says officers could not find evidence to support the claim, however, the Akron Police Department says the investigation is still underway.
The school said the student's family was "unsatisfied" with the results and began threatening the administration.
The school requested a police presence at the building on Tuesday, but did not receive confirmation from the police. So the school decided to close out of an abundance of caution. It plans on reopening on Wednesday.
One of those parents involved is Sheryline Martins, who claims Friday, a teacher put their hands on her son.
“He grabbed them like this and shoved them against the wall and he hit his head and like his shoulder,” said Martins.
Martins was frustrated by the school’s response, so she spoke out on a local podcast. She told News 5 that during the podcast, she did not say anything regarding violence, she only told her son’s story.
Three school members filed police reports following the podcast, accusing Martins and the father of her son of menacing and stalking.
“It's crazy. No, we did not threaten them. We would never threaten anyone for that matter. I feel like, they're just trying to turn the situation around and manipulate the situation,” said Martins, adding that all she wanted was to get her son's story out.
“We don't condone any violence. I don't want anyone to do anything crazy,” Martins continued. “I just want justice for my son. That's all. I want him to know that his parents are doing everything that we can to see that he gets justice.”
The school says they are seeking legal guidance while working with the Akron Police Department to increase security, writing the following:
“Following advice of senior management and police, Akron Prep administrators have filed reports to request restraining orders and are seeking legal counsel on whether and how to press charges on account of slander.”
Akron Police tells News 5 they are still investigating Friday's incident involving Martins's son and the alleged threats made towards school staff.
