Column: Some schools do it right

How should schools investigate when a teacher is accused of sexual abuse and misconduct involving students?

In talking to school officials at area districts, I've found that many go beyond what state law requires to make sure investigations are thorough and students are safe.

The law allows schools tremendous latitude in dealing with teachers who behave inappropriately with students - allowing them to shuffle problematic teachers out the door without notifying law enforcement, the state licensing board or district parents. But that doesn't mean a number of local school districts don't try to do it the right way.

Several superintendents have told me their districts forward every complaint of teacher involving students to the state Board of Educational Examiners, even though it's not always required.

Even before it gets to that point, some districts do a little more than the bare minimum to make sure investigations are handled the right way.

Iowa City Schools' immediately notify police if there's an allegation of sexual abuse or misconduct by staff, Associate Superintendent Jim Behle told me this week.

“We believe it's better if it's investigated by an independent party,” he said. “There's always a suspicion that the school may cover something up, and we don't want even a perception of that.”

Clear Creek Amana Community School District investigators also contact law enforcement immediately if there's a serious allegation against a teacher, Superintendent Paula Vincent told me.

And it's not unusual for that district to hire an independent investigator for the initial investigation instead of having peers investigate each other, she said.

Even though it's more than is required, Linn-Mar Community and other districts make sure complainants have plenty of options by designating districtwide investigators in addition to investigators at every school.

“We want to make it possible for anybody to report anything to anybody,” Linn-Mar Superintendent Katie Mulholland told me. A good idea.

Here's another idea from Vinton-Shellsburg Superintendent Mary Jo Hainstock: Prevent abuse and misconduct in the first place.

“We need to be working so that students and families and adults involved know what's appropriate and inappropriate,” she said. “Where those boundaries are.”

Sure, it's more than is required, but it makes a whole lot of sense.

And if we can't count on districts to adopt best practices for student safety - well, then maybe they should be required.

Comments: (319) 339-3157; jennifer.hemmingsen@gazcomm.com