Jackson Free Press

After rumors circulated that Chastain Middle School students and parents were angry about alleged mischief at the school, parents decided to set the record straight. On the steps of City Hall, Sharon Sims, a parent of Chastain students, read a statement informing the public that parents would be addressing City Council at 6:30 p.m. to discuss a solution.

Sims said that Chastain has moved from the top middle school in the city to "a haven for drugs, crime, violence, illicit sexual behavior, complacency and unconcern for our children's behavior."

Jackson Public Schools Assistant Superintendent for middle schools Randy Bernamonti said in a statement that though there is no evidence to support the allegations, the school superintendents would work with concerned parents.

"We stand ready to work with our parents to address any matter regarding the safety and well-being of our students, not only at Chastain, but in all our schools," he said. "The staff at Chastain worked this school year to maintain appropriate student decorum. We support the work of the Chastain administration."

Though no specific accounts of misbehavior from parents have been reported, and not every student has been affected at Chastain, Sims and some parents feel it is "only a matter of time."

While nothing had been decided at press time, Sims believed that a compromise could be met.

"We as parents understand that there are decisions, choices that have to be made," Sims said. "We just want them to make the best choices for Chastain Middle School.