Wake County School Officials Failed to Report Teacher Abuse Allegations

Senior officials in the Wake County School District allowed a former teacher—now convicted of assaulting students—to remain in the classroom for more than a year after the assaults occurred, a WRAL investigation has found. James Rencher, a former teacher at East Wake High School, was convicted in November 2024 of assaulting two nonverbal students. Records show that at least 10 district employees, including Superintendent Robert Taylor, were aware of the allegations but failed to report them to police.

Kimberly Tucker, a retired special education teacher who witnessed and reported the abuse, is calling for the resignation of district officials who mishandled the situation. “I don’t think any of those people should still be employed with Wake County Schools,” Tucker said. The abuse allegations date back to September 2022, when Tucker reported multiple incidents involving Rencher, including kicking an exercise ball out from under a student and shoving another student. Despite these reports, Rencher continued teaching for 18 months before being reported to law enforcement.

Parents of the affected students were unaware of the abuse until they received anonymous letters in November 2022. Tess Smithen, a parent of one of the victims, expressed shock upon learning of the allegations. “I was shocked,” Smithen said. Despite raising concerns with East Wake Principal Stacey Alston, parents were told the letters were likely written by a disgruntled employee. Rencher was later transferred to Herbert Akins Road Middle School, where he continued teaching until his resignation in 2024.

Emails and documents reviewed by WRAL News reveal that at least nine district leaders, including Assistant Superintendent Mark Savage and Human Resources administrator Perry Aaron, were informed of the allegations. However, no immediate action was taken. In December 2023, Assistant Superintendent Anthony Muttillo assured parents that the allegations were “actively under review,” but no formal investigation was initiated until WRAL contacted the district in 2024.

Rencher was eventually arrested and charged with 12 counts of assault. In November 2024, he was convicted and sentenced. Following the delays and failings uncovered by WRAL, the district announced it was conducting a comprehensive review and implementing remedial measures. A district spokesperson stated, “The school system is conducting a comprehensive review of this matter and has implemented multiple remedial measures as a result of the review.”

Parents Smithen and Tim King have since filed a lawsuit against the Wake County Board of Education and several school leaders, alleging negligence. Alston, the only official to respond to requests for comment, stated, “I am not at liberty to comment on any active litigation. However, in matters that concern student safety, I have always complied with state law and WCPSS reporting requirements.”