The Varnett Public School has learned that VPS’ former Superintendent Annette Cluff and her husband Alsie Cluff Jr., a former VPS board member and employee, have been charged by the federal government with alleged crimes against VPS during their tenure.
The defendants have not been associated with VPS during the 2014-2015 school year. VPS has been under entirely new leadership since August 2014. In addition, the school board overseeing the school’s operations was entirely new for the 2014-2015 school year.
Dr. Margaret Stroud, VPS Interim Superintendent, stated, “We are disheartened to learn of the allegations; however, we are moving forward and will focus on the four principles of our core beliefs: high student achievement, safety, respect, and common decency. We are proud of our students’ and employees’ accomplishments over the past school year, and we are excited to continue our successes in the 2015-2016 school year.”
Under Dr. Stroud’s leadership last school year, VPS launched a literacy initiative to bring more books to students’ classrooms and homes to increase the love of reading. In addition, Dr. Stroud has also increased students’ access to educational technology.
Finally, Dr. Stroud wishes to thank our parents for trusting us with our community's most valuable asset – your children.