Chief’s residency inconsistent with school records

In another twist to questions surrounding Kill Devil Hills Police Chief Gary L. Britt, records show that his child is enrolled in a Dare County school using an address in Kitty Hawk, while the chief resides in Currituck County.

Tax records show that Britt purchased the Currituck County house in 2009.

The Voice has learned that the street address listed in Dare County school records is a rental home where Kill Devil Hills police Sgt. Ed Anderson resides.

Anderson has been named in one of the court documents submitted by other police officers as having received preferential treatment from Britt. They are among numerous documents filed in the turmoil surrounding the chief’s three-month non-disciplinary suspension and his reinstatement in December of last year.

The chief was suspended while an internal investigation was conducted by the town in conjunction with its insurance underwriter, the North Carolina League of Municipalities. District Attorney Frank Parrish’s stated intention to file a petition for Britt’s removal prompted the probe.

Britt was cleared by the town, but the four police officers whose personnel grievances are at the heart of the debate have since filed a civil suit against Kill Devil Hills and its top officials. They allege that a pattern of harassment, discrimination and retaliation led to a demotion, dismissal and loss of wages.

Dare County Schools verified the enrollment address with the Voice but could not provide further information. The school system would not confirm what documents were used to enroll Britt’s child, stating a parent’s permission is required to release that information.

In a letter confirming the address on file, a school official also wrote, “when the school district does receive an allegation of a residency violation, it is our practice to investigate.”

To prove residency, the Board of Education requires one of three forms of identification: a state issued identification card, a driver’s license or a voter registration card.

Dare County Board of Education policy provides limited exceptions for enrollment of children who live outside of the district. Requests must be put in writing and approved by the superintendent and the Board of Education.

Those families must pay tuition, and the school district in which the child resides must also give permission. Childcare or health care needs can be taken into consideration.

Included among the exceptions is if a child lives with an adult who is not a parent or legal guardian. In that case, the parents or legal guardian must provide a notarized statement authorizing the non-custodial adult to make all decisions related to the child’s education.

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