NORTH WEST HENDRICKS
SCHOOL CORPORATION
104 N. Church St.
P.O. Box 70
Lizton, IN 46149-0070

(317) 994-4100
Fax (317) 994-5963

M.Scott Syverson
Interim Superintendent

Wednesday, March 4, 2020
FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT
Donna Petraits, Communications Consultant
dkpetraits@gmail.com
317-748-1125
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
North West Hendricks Responds to Stolen Video Broadcast on WRTV6
WRTV6 chose to broadcast stolen surveillance video from North West Hendricks School
Corporation, which raises significant legal and ethical concerns. This video, depicting a NWHSC
student, was confiscated by a part-time employee and disclosed in violation of federal and state
law. Broadcasting this video potentially compromises an ongoing criminal case, violates federal
student privacy laws, and exploits a young woman.
NWHSC abides by all federal and state laws protecting student privacy, including the Family
Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), and will continue to do so. NWHSC has been and
will continue to cooperate fully with law enforcement and the Hendricks County prosecutor to
assure justice is served in a court of law and not the court of public opinion.
Because many will conflate the two items, NWHSC also addresses former employee David
Pyatt. Mr. Pyatt was a part-time attendance secretary and at-will employee. He was not a
teacher. At-will employees may be discharged at any time with or without cause; however,
NWHSC had extensive cause to discharge Mr. Pyatt. The basis for his discharge includes
multiple incidents over the school year of insubordination, unprofessionalism, and disruptive
behavior in violation of board policy, staff handbook, and federal law. We will respect Mr. Pyatt’s
privacy and not discuss the numerous reasons for his discharge further, fully anticipating that
rumor, misinformation, and speculation will abound.
At North West Hendricks we are committed to protecting student privacy, improving our
practices, and providing the best education possible for our students. Unlike WRTV6, the district
will never exploit student privacy or stolen property to fulfill a one-sided narrative. NWHSC will
allow the multiple legal processes in action to hold individuals accountable.
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Jim Diagostino
President

Brad Williams
Vice President

Board of School Trustees
Cindy Griffith
Secretary

Craig Brelage
Member

Craig Peoples
Member