The Okeechobee County School District is aware of the ongoing criminal investigation being conducted by the Okeechobee County Sheriff’s Office regarding allegations involving juvenile students associated with Okeechobee High School girls’ basketball.

First and foremost, the safety and well-being of our students is our highest priority. We are deeply concerned by the allegations described by the Sheriff’s Office and are committed to cooperating fully with law enforcement as this investigation continues.

Based on information confirmed during the Sheriff’s Office investigation, one adult involved was not an approved volunteer, not an employee, and not an authorized coach with Okeechobee High School or the School District, and had not applied for any such role. The Sheriff’s Office further indicated that this individual’s presence and interactions with students occurred without the knowledge or consent of school administration.

The District has worked closely with investigators and will continue to provide any information or assistance requested. Because this remains an active criminal investigation, the District cannot comment on investigative details, evidence, or pending charges beyond what has been released by law enforcement.

In response to this situation, the District has taken immediate action within its authority, including:

· Revoking any claimed or reported affiliation of the unauthorized individual with Okeechobee High School athletics; and

· Removing the head girls’ basketball coach from coaching duties for the remainder of the season due to violations related to oversight and policy compliance.

We also want to emphasize to families and the community that all volunteers and non-employee adults who work with students must be formally screened and approved through District processes before any involvement is permitted. Any adult who has not completed this process is not authorized to interact with students in a school-sponsored capacity.

Families who believe they may have relevant information should contact the Okeechobee County Sheriff’s Office, as directed in their release. The District encourages anyone with concerns related to student safety to report them immediately.