Sandra Chapman/Eyewitness News
Indianapolis - After three suicides this school year, a local school district is opening its doors to talk about the "Silent Epidemic." It's a problem that has taken its toll on Warren Township students and staff alike.
The flyer reads: "Are Your Kids Really Safe in Warren Township Schools?" It's a bold question making the rounds in a township plagued by tragedy: Three apparent suicides, two students and one staff member, all in a matter of weeks.
Frustrated parents pushing for action at Wednesday's school board meeting ask: "Aren't you tired of deaths and sex scandals in our schools and community?"
But it appears they won't have to wait until Wednesday for some answers. Administrators at Warren are opening their doors to a workshop aimed at preventing suicide.
"We want to encourage people to seek help," said Dr. Peggy Hinckley, Superintendent of Warren Township Schools.
The event is sponsored by The Jason Foundation.
According to their records, suicide has become the second leading cause of death among youth 15 to 19 years old in Indiana. They call it the "Silent Epidemic."
"Suicide is more prevalent during this time of the year. So it's really a way for us to reach out to the community," explained Hinckley.
The meeting comes almost a month to the day of the death of the director of the Warren Performing Arts Center.
Eyewitness News first reported in November that the State Department of Child Services opened an investigation at Warren Central High School mere hours before Matthew Oskay was found dead on school grounds.
The Regional Manager at DCS, Rhonda Allen, says the state's 30-day investigation is completed, but she would not elaborate on the case.
The Superintendent can't say for sure what additional action the district will take. "Obviously I don't know that until I know the determination," said Hinckley.
Warren Township says it followed all reporting procedures and cooperated with the authorities and that there were no reports of student safety and security being threatened.
Monday's meeting on Suicide the "Silent Epidemic" is from 6:30 to 8:00pm at the Warren Performing Arts Center.
