Wise County School Board Chair speaks for first time since Travis Turner’s disappearance

WISE COUNTY, Va. (WCYB) — A tense meeting happened Monday night as the Wise County School Board met for the first time since former Union High School head football coach Travis Turner’s disappearance.

News 5 spoke with parents off camera who say they are aggravated and concerned about what they say is a lack of communication from the school board.

Public comment was removed from the agenda. Board chair, Larry Greear, says this was due to a closed session regarding employment.

“We just decided that tonight we just wouldn’t have open expression,” Greear said.

Parents are worried about student wellbeing and the board not hearing their concerns.

Greear says the school is addressing it.

“Our main focus is the kids, we want to keep them as normal as possible,” Greear said. “We have resources, we have counseling services available in addition to what they ordinarily have at that particular site.”

As controversy continues we ask Greear if any other staff members from Union High School were on paid leave.

“So there’s nothing else you can say about the principal either?”

“No, it’s personnel,” Greear said. “My advice is call the office tomorrow and see who answers.”

Greear says public comment will be reinstated at the next meeting Jan. 12. Parents News 5 spoke with say they plan to speak at that meeting.