Caverna Schools Back in the News After New Child Safety Concerns Emerge

By Jeff Jobe – Jobe Publishing, Inc.

CAVE CITY — The Caverna Independent School District is once again facing scrutiny over student-safety practices after a new classroom video surfaced this week showing a young elementary student crying while a staff member attempted to calm him. The incident follows months of high-profile concerns previously reported by the Barren County Progress.

New Video Circulates

The video, recorded by the child’s regular classroom teacher, shows the student visibly upset after a splint was removed from an injured finger. The family says the injury occurred during an encounter with another student. In the recording, a staff member can be heard telling the child, “Try to quit crying and get yourself together.”

Superintendent Amanda Abell confirmed the district is reviewing the matter.

“We are aware of a video circulating involving a student who became upset after not receiving points on his behavior chart,” Abell said. “The video was originally shared privately by the teacher with the child’s guardian.”

Abell added that the district had issued a similar statement last week after a substitute teacher was accused of being physically aggressive with a student. That communication noted the incident was reported to Child Protective Services and local law enforcement and that the substitute was removed from the district’s roster.

Recent Incidents Under Review

This latest situation adds to a growing list of concerns raised this year:

• May: A legal-notice letter signaled a potential lawsuit alleging a student was beaten with a belt while classmates watched. Claims included assault, harassment, civil-rights violations, and negligent supervision.
• August: Allegations emerged regarding a “Trooper Island” outing where a mentally disabled student was reportedly assaulted with what was believed to be a pencil—later identified as a toothbrush holder. The district acknowledged receiving “additional information” and launched a fresh review.
• Summer: A former Caverna High School basketball coach was indicted on child-abuse-related charges, including assault, wanton endangerment, official misconduct, and failure to report abuse or neglect.

Parents Calling for Change

With each new episode, frustration among parents continues to rise. Many argue these issues point toward systemic failures rather than isolated lapses. Concerns raised include inconsistent supervision, communication breakdowns, inadequate handling of special-needs students, and reporting and documentation procedures.

District officials have not issued broader comments about the string of incidents but have continued to emphasize cooperation with law enforcement and a commitment to improving student safety.

What’s Next

The district’s newest investigation remains ongoing. Parents are expected to raise concerns at upcoming school board meetings, and additional public-records requests may shed light on how previous complaints were handled.

Jobe Publishing will continue to monitor developments as Caverna Independent Schools face yet another round of child-safety scrutiny.