School and county officials have issued apologies nearly a month after the Riverbend High School graduation that barred parents with tickets from the ceremony.
Spotsylvania County School Board members and Superintendent Jerry Hill addressed two parents who spoke at Monday night's meeting.
"My heart goes out to you," said board member Ray Lora. "You don't deserve what has happened to you."
Board members Amanda Blalock and James Gillespie echoed Lora's remarks.
Moments before, Maria Martin told the board, "If I do something wrong, I apologize and try to make up for what I did. What is being done for this mess?"
In a press release issued last week, County Administrator Randy Wheeler said county staff did not appropriately address overcrowding concerns at the event.
"I'm acknowledging the fact that what happened was truly regrettable, that we had some role in that, and I take responsibility for that, and I'm sorry," Wheeler said in a recent interview.
He declined to name the assistant fire marshal Hill has said closed the doors without consulting school officials. The county is still looking into the matter in an investigation that's expected to conclude this week, Wheeler said.
According to the press release, Fire Chief Chris Eudailey and Fire, Rescue and Emergency Management staff plan to meet this summer with all five high-school principals to discuss next year's ceremonies.
Two weeks before graduation next year, fire personnel will meet with school administrators to go over the seating plan and review capacity. At least one hour prior to the event, county staff will walk through the building with school personnel.
Karen Bolipata 540/374-5418
Email: kbolipata@freelancestar.com