Answered questions will build trust

In many ways, Iowa City school district officials have responded well in the face of allegations an elementary school guidance counselor sexually abused a student in his care.

But there still is much to be done if the district is to fully regain the trust of parents, students and the community.

Former Lemme and Grant Wood elementary schools counselor Donald L. Clark, 41, of Coralville, was arrested Monday on suspicion of second-degree sexual abuse.

Police believe Clark abused a fifth-grade boy he was counseling at Lemme during the 2003-04 school year.

Since those allegations were made public, school officials, in partnership with local agencies, have worked to educate parents about child sexual abuse.

They have provided resources and outlets for discussion even though they can't much comment on the ongoing criminal investigation.

About 40 people attended a Thursday night meeting at City High's Opstad Auditorium to learn more about sexual abuse.

At that meeting, Karla Miller, executive director of the Rape Victim Advocacy Program, told parents that instead of teaching their children to always trust authority figures, they should teach them that trust must be earned.

Those are words the school district should take to heart.

Because important questions remain about Clark's employment and district policies intended to protect our students.

They are questions that must be answered for the district to rebuild trust in the community.

First, officials should come forward with more information about the circumstances of Clark's resignation last year.

It is important for parents to know what role the district played in that resignation, which came shortly after Clark was charged with indecent exposure in an incident that did not involve the school.

District officials rejected a Gazette open records request for all documents related to Clark's job performance and any misconduct allegations, citing the confidentiality of personnel records.

But parents need a better picture of how the district handled that situation.

Second, parents need more information about how the district evaluates potential threats to students. The district also should clearly explain what they are doing now to review and revise procedures.

How are background checks preformed? Are they reviewed once a staff member is hired? How are one-on-one meetings between staff and students monitored? These are only a few questions to answer.

Iowa City school district Superintendent Lane Plugge has said the district's focus now is on how to make parents and students feel safe in the schools. That's good.

More answers will go a long way in making that happen.