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School Official Receives Blackmail Threat Save Email Print
Posted: 8:48 PM Feb 12, 2008
Last Updated: 6:30 AM Feb 13, 2008
Reporter: David Nancarrow
Email Address: dnancarrow@kktv11news.com

A | A | A

An anonymous e-mail puts the head of The Classical Academy's school board in the cross-hairs of an apparent black-mail plot. The board chair tells 11 News it threatens to reveal parts of his past if certain demands aren't met.

A recent e-mailed response is not the first TCA school board chair Matt Carpenter has made to an anonymous writer.

"All these e-mails, the half dozen that have been sent out the past month or so are just inflammatory, but never have any specifics," Carpenter said.

The latest, coming from a group calling themselves TCA Parents Unite, Carpenter said points out details of his past. Specifically, how he met his wife, who he admits at the time was married to another man. Carpenter acknowledged the details in an e-mailed response to the TCA community and at a recent board meeting.

He said the mystery e-mailer implies a lot of other things, which aren't true.

"I've got no problem telling the truth. I think that's worthwhile and the appropriate thing to do. Unfortunately, this person likes to tell lies and not sign their name," said Carpenter.

"We profess to be a character school. This is disgusting,” said basketball coach and TCA parent Pam Demkowicz.

Demkowicz doesn't know the writer, but believes the messages are another shot fired in a back-and-forth over school spending. It’s a battle Lisa Miller believes is catching the all-volunteer board in the middle.

"We don't always agree with what they do, but we're always supportive of what they do for our school," Miller said.

Carpenter said TCA Parents Unite demands the termination of the school’s six-year CEO and President Mark Hyatt. Carpenter says that won't happen, and recommends an anonymous writer follow school philosophy.

"In our model of conflict resolution people come face to face and talk with each other. That's the only way to resolve it," he said.

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Posted by: Angela Location: Colorado Springs on Apr 19, 2008 at 06:48 PM
Miss Karen. You realize this is a CHARTER school, do you not? Parents founded it. Parents run it. Research your facts before criticizing. Your comment had me fuming. I am a student at TCA, and for parents who would prefer to whine rather than stand up for what they believe in (as they constantly tell their children), simply reduce their social image to that of just another delusional loud-mouthed citizen. Parents like you need to grow up.

Posted by: sue Location: colorado Springs on Feb 15, 2008 at 10:34 PM
As a former employee of TCA, I can say that many of the students are very disrespectful. Some teachers are scared to apply discipline like Love and Logic because the parents get mad. The parents have way too much control. I remember an outstanding Latin teacher who got fired because he was giving students the grades they deserved! For a school where character education is "taught", the leadership is no example. One of the elementary principals has personally been mean to parents and teachers. I am so glad I no longer teach there - too much drama!

Posted by: Anon Location: C/S on Feb 15, 2008 at 09:15 AM
If some of what is being said is true, one would then have to ask how does the e-mailer have these facts. There is more to this than meets the eye.

Posted by: Dan Location: Colorado Springs on Feb 14, 2008 at 06:16 AM
It lurks in the shadows alone and scared. Strong feels drive it to act but rage ensues. It proclaims to be “United” but will not stand. Change through anonymous intimidation and blackmail are its chosen tactics. Fear shall not win; Fear is ashamed of its actions. Fear is not welcome at TCA. “The Classical Academy exists to assist parents in their mission to develop exemplary citizens equipped with analytical thinking skills, virtuous character, and a passion for learning, all built upon a solid foundation of knowledge.”

Posted by: Karen Location: Colorado Springs on Feb 13, 2008 at 08:18 PM
District 20? I thought so, only in District 20 do you have parents who think that what ever "they" decide is perfectly ok. Untill that district tightens up its policies and stand behind what they mean, parents will continue to bully the system.

Posted by: Rick Location: Colorado Springs on Feb 13, 2008 at 11:36 AM
This kind of "parent bullying" within charter schools is so contradictory to what most of them stand for. If parents are not getting their way with their "school of choice" board, they can vote at elections, they can attend meetings and speak, and they can leave, but it is mindblowing they resort to this kind of tactic. No wonder schools have bullying problems, look at how the parents are acting when they don't get their way here! My own kids graduated from TCA. We were superbly delighted with the education they got, and I am disgusted and shocked that any parents would resort to doing such low (and frankly foolish) things.

Posted by: KM Location: Woodland Park on Feb 13, 2008 at 09:55 AM
If they really wanted to find who is doing this they could track their IP address

Posted by: Lisa Location: Colorado Springs on Feb 12, 2008 at 11:36 PM
Someone of true character would not hide behind an anonymous email.

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