Teacher on leave following allegation
Published 10:38 am Thursday, December 11, 2008
By Brenda Sexton-The Courier-Herald
An Enumclaw High School teacher has been placed on paid administrative leave after allegations of inappropriate conduct between her and a 17-year-old male student surfaced.
The Enumclaw School District has turned the matter over to the Black Diamond Police Department, which as of Monday morning was still investigating. If the investigation turns up sufficient evidence, the department will then place the information in the hands of the King County Prosecuting Attorney's Office.
An April 4 press release issued by the Black Diamond Police Department noted the department, along with the Prosecuting Attorney's Office, was investigating the allegations, “but at this point in the investigation, we have not confirmed that the conduct reached a criminal level.”
Monday morning the department had no further comment.
According to a media release from the Enumclaw School District April 3, the district placed the teacher on administrative leave March 26 to give itself an opportunity to investigate the matter. An independent investigator was retained to look into the concerns.
As a result of information received April 2, the district made a report to law enforcement.
“The district remains committed to ensuring the safety and appropriate treatment of all its students while honoring the due process of its staff,” the media release stated.
Superintendent Mike Nelson also sent a letter to parents stating, “As a school system, safety is our highest priority. We will do all that we can to insure the safety of your children and will continue to work in partnership with you to this end. If you have questions, please do not hesitate to contact me or one of the high school administrators.”
This is not the first episode of teacher misconduct to rock the Plateau. Earlier this year, former White River High teacher Rebekah M. Todd was sent to jail following inappropriate contact with a 17-year-old male student.
In June 2005, the Enumclaw School District placed a Southwood Elementary teacher on administrative leave following allegations of improper contact.
Brenda Sexton can be reached at bsexton@cmg-northwest2.go-vip.net/courierherald.
