Horne critical of rise in school administration misconduct incidents

Urges schools to be open and follow the law on reporting

PHOENIX – Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Horne is levelling criticism at a rise in incidents of serious misconduct by school employees, noting schools must ensure they are reported immediately to protect children and comply with the law.

Under Arizona law, those requirements include reporting to law enforcement, Department of Child Safety and / or tribal authorities as well as the State Board of Education. Recently, a dispute arose in the Peoria Unified School District over an incident of sexual conduct between a teacher and student.

Horne said, “I am deeply concerned about the events occurring on the Peoria district board. It is absolutely crucial that every school be transparent with the public about what happens in schools. There should be zero tolerance for people who don’t live up to their duty to report misconduct. In recent months, the State Board of Education, where I am a voting member, has disciplined educators for that kind of failure.”

Peoria district leadership is embroiled in a dispute over an effort by former governing board president Heather Rooks’ attempt to have the Maricopa County Attorney and State Board of Education added to an internal investigation of alleged sexual misconduct. The Board opposed that and removed Rooks as president. Horne agrees with Rooks that full reporting is legally required.

Under Arizona law, school employees are mandatory reporters. The law defines reportable offenses including, non-accidental physical injury, abuse, serious emotional damage, sexual abuse or acts, exposure to dangerous drugs, and neglect, among others.

Also, reports are to be made immediately, and reporting to a supervisor or administrator is not sufficient. Failure to comply is a Class I misdemeanor for child abuse or neglect and a Class 6 felony for not reporting a reportable offense.

Horne added, “There seems to be a terrible trend of school employees being accused of egregious breaches of conduct, including sexual activities with children. This is completely unacceptable and schools must do everything possible to ensure the safety of children. The exploitation of a child by anyone, but especially an educator or other school employee, is an unfathomable breach of trust and cannot be tolerated.”

Educators and other school personnel are hired by local districts or charters. Disciplinary matters are the jurisdiction of the State Board of Education, while law enforcement handles potential criminal matters.