Anthony Whetstone – a teacher and coach at Ark City High School – is on paid leave while USD 470 investigates remarks he’s accused of making in regard to the shooting of national political figure Charlie Kirk.
Parents were informed this week that a staff member had been placed on leave – due to questions about their conduct – in a message sent by the district. Whetstone was not identified by name.
The Cowley CourierTraveler spoke with Whetstone who told them Superintendent Ron Ballard had placed him on leave Tuesday after a meeting with administrators the previous day.
According to notes from the meeting provided by Whetstone, administrators raised concerns about a parent’s email alleging that Whetstone said “good” when students discussed the Kirk shooting before football practice on Sept. 10, the paper reported. Whetstone denied making the comment, saying he did not remember discussing the shooting with students and would not have expressed support for one side or the other.
The notes also indicate that Ballard asked about an alleged remark, “Talk sh—, get sh—.” Whetstone denied making that statement. Ballard said multiple parents and students had raised concerns and referenced a past conversation with Whetstone about “colorful language” at a state wrestling tournament.
In an interview with the CourierTraveler, Whetstone said he felt like he was “guilty until proven innocent” and insisted he does not believe the shooting of Kirk was “good.” He said he had posted on social media urging people to wait for more information about the incident but later deleted the post.
On Thursday, he told Cowley Post “At this time I’m not talking to anyone about it. I hope you understand.”
USD 470 spokesperson Alisha Call told Cowley Post the district “takes concerns about staff conduct very seriously.”
“While we can’t discuss individual situations, we want our community to know we have clear steps in place to review and address concerns,” Call said. “Our goal is to keep our schools safe, respectful, and professional so every student and staff member feels supported.”
USD 470 also provided information about district policies that outline expectations for staff conduct. The policy on political activities prohibits certified staff from using school time, property or equipment to promote political parties, candidates or issues.
The district’s ethics policy requires educators to maintain professional integrity, respect the dignity of all individuals, and present subject matter in a fair and accurate manner.
Call said the guidelines are in place “to ensure schools remain safe, respectful and professional environments where every student and staff member feels supported.”
USD 465 in Winfield is involved because as a special education employee, Whetstone works for that district but works at ACHS. Whetstone is a wrestling and football coach at ACHS.
