Dupage Policy Journal

Indian Prairie School District 204 Superintendent Dr. Adrian B. Talley is accused of not doing enough to protect kids after a video of an assault of a seventh grader was filmed at the school. 

The incident occurred earlier in May but the perpetrator has been allowed to remain in school. Talley said he was unable to discuss the well-known incident, of which the video of the assault has been seen widely on social media. 

“Because of confidentiality reasons, I cannot speak specifically about many of the items you raise in your email," Talley said in an emailed response to district parents and Awake IL founder Shannon Adcock. "I will say, though, that it is not true that the “parents are getting silent treatment from 204." Both school administration, Mr. Loughrige, and central office administration, Mr. Brad Hillman, assistant superintendent for middle schools, have had multiple conversations with the parents.”

He also sealed his lips about other information saying it's only fitting to do so at the moment.

“I will not speak about the other student because that would not be appropriate," Talley added. "I will say, though, that what is alleged is just that alleged and should not be construed as true. We did do a forum for parents about safety back in November with the Naperville police, District, 203, and state’s attorney. We will have another parent academy about safety toward the beginning of the new school year. We know the need for sharing with parents how we are protecting children and what we do regarding discipline issues in our schools. Information about the academy will be sent out later.”

Talley’s email was in response to Adcock’s email written on May 25 with the subject line “Community Concerns.” 

“Given the unspeakable tragedy that unfolded in Uvalde, Texas yesterday, our organization is appealing to your leadership for transparency," Adcock wrote. "Earlier this month, a family in IPSD 204 had their 7th-grade son assaulted from behind at Scullen middle school (on school grounds at dismissal). There are videos taken by kids that have circulated on social media. The victim’s parents are getting silent treatment from 204. The school is referencing SB100. Our organization holds grave concerns over the citing of SB100. A student with prior record of infractions and now, a documented assault incident? We argue this juvenile IS a threat to the community. Would you agree? It is alleged this student-with alleged prior history of infractions-recently brought a BB gun to school. His social media footprint appears to confirm a pattern of threatening behaviors. 

The parents and Adcock appealed to IPSD "to engage in a thorough review of this student’s behavior and make a proper assessment on any threat he poses to the school community.” 

SB 100, which was enacted into law, eliminates ‘zero-tolerance’ policies. The student discipline reform will only allow authorities to consider the harshest forms of punishment for "students who pose a threat to the school community or who substantially disrupt, impede or interfere with the learning environment," according to Adcock.

Talley was hired in 2020. His base salary is $255,000 per year, Chicago Tribune reported.

Indian Prairie School District 204 is the fourth largest school district in the state with more than  27,000 students from Naperville, Aurora, Bolingbrook, and Plainfield.