Joliet Parents Claim Reporting Failures, Now They’re Going Public

A group of parents in Joliet, Montana, say they have sent a letter to the Joliet Public Schools Board of Trustees outlining their concerns about student safety, district reporting procedures, and compliance with state laws. The letter, dated October 1, 2025, asks that it be formally included in the materials for the board’s next public meeting.

The parents also state that one current board member should remove themselves from voting on related matters due to a potential conflict of interest involving a family member who was reportedly part of a past personnel case.

Parents Question Transparency After Past Teacher Misconduct Investigation

The letter, which was sent to Townsquare Media, references several incidents involving school staff dating back to 2023. One situation from November 2024 involved allegations against a teacher that were investigated by the district, an outside investigator, and the Carbon County Sheriff’s Office. The teacher was eventually cleared and returned to work. However, parents say they are concerned that details of the process were not publicly explained.

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Another report from October 2023 involved inappropriate communication and physical contact between a teacher and students. According to the parents, the incident was not reported to the Montana Office of Public Instruction until May 2025, despite requirements for timely reporting.

Questions Raised After Career Program Funding Withdrawn

The letter also mentions the loss of funding for the Jobs for Montana’s Graduates (JMG) program for the 2025–26 school year. Parents state that during a special meeting held in September 2025, it was confirmed that JMG funding was withdrawn because of improper use of program resources.

Parents Say Misconduct Reports Were Mishandled and Met With Pushback

Parents further claim that a 2024 incident involving younger students was not properly reported to the authorities. They say a staff member had reported concerns about student contact during informal classroom activities. The letter argues that required procedures for reporting possible misconduct were not followed in a timely manner. The letter also refers to a separate matter involving a staff member who allegedly faced retaliation after reporting inappropriate comments made by another employee.

Unverified Claims Include Administrative Misconduct and Certification Issues

The letter includes additional concerns based on ongoing rumors. These include claims of unprofessional behavior by administration, the possibility of uncertified teachers being employed, and reports that Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) may have been prepared by staff without proper credentials.

Parents Ask Board to Investigate and Report Findings Publicly

To address their concerns, the parents request that the board review each of the listed incidents, release clear explanations of actions taken, and report findings publicly. They are also asking for mandatory training for staff on state reporting rules and workplace protections before the end of 2025.

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Parents Ask for Answers but Fear Retaliation

The parents’ group says the Montana Office of Public Instruction has already been notified of these concerns. They are requesting a public response from the district by October 15, 2025, but have chosen to remain anonymous, stating that they wish to avoid any retaliation.