Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Horne criticized a rise in serious misconduct incidents by school employees, urging schools on June 20 to ensure such cases are reported immediately to protect children and comply with Arizona law.
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.” According to Horne, “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.”
Under Arizona law, requirements include reporting incidents to law enforcement, the Department of Child Safety and/or tribal authorities as well as the State Board of Education. Reports must be made immediately; notifying only a supervisor or administrator does not fulfill legal obligations. Failure to comply constitutes a Class I misdemeanor for child abuse or neglect and a Class 6 felony for not reporting a reportable offense.
A recent dispute arose in the Peoria Unified School District over an incident involving alleged sexual conduct between a teacher and student. Former governing board president Heather Rooks attempted to have the Maricopa County Attorney and State Board of Education added to an internal investigation into alleged sexual misconduct. The board opposed this move and removed Rooks as president. Horne agrees with Rooks that full reporting is legally required.
Arizona law designates school employees as mandatory reporters for offenses including non-accidental physical injury, abuse, serious emotional damage, sexual abuse or acts, exposure to dangerous drugs, neglect, among others.
Educators and other school personnel are hired by local districts or charters. Disciplinary matters fall under the jurisdiction of the State Board of Education while potential criminal matters are handled by law enforcement authorities. More information can be found at the organization’s website.
