PARAGOULD, Ark. – The Paragould School District is aware of the lawsuits filed against the Lord’s Ranch, which involve allegations of abuse against two District employees, Gary Jackson and Alonza Jiles.
Jackson and Jiles were previously employed at the Lord’s Ranch. They began working for the District on July 1, 2021. Jackson served as the assistant high school principal and Jiles as a teacher and coach.
Given the seriousness of the allegations in the first lawsuit and the concerns they raise, Jackson and Jiles were placed on administrative leave on November 8, 2023, and have not returned to campus. Two additional lawsuits against the Lord’s Ranch have since been filed.
Although the abuse allegations occurred prior to their employment with the District and do not involve Paragould students, the District recognizes their severity and impact on the school community. While PSD has made no determination about the allegations, the District does not tolerate or condone any type of abuse towards minors or the failure to report such abuse.
Educators are put in a position of trust, and the allegations against Jackson and Jiles undermine that trust and interfere with their ability to be effective educators. The accusations also distract from the District’s goal of providing a quality education to students. For these reasons, the employment contracts of Jackson and Jiles will not be renewed for the 2024-2025 school year.
The Paragould School District will continue to remain focused on being a positive and safe place for students to excel.
press release – Rebecca Worsham, Attorney at Law, Mixon & Worsham PLC
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