Education Plan of Action Allegations Essay

However, it is now up to me to develop my own "reasonable cause" rather than relying solely on hearsay. An interview with Mr. Brown might help me to clarify the issues. I would request his assistance, by asking for the names of his daughter's friends. I would endeavor to meet privately and confidentially with those students, and with no pressure placed upon them.

Next, I would contact my superintendent. The policy of the Trenton School District is that the principal must notify the superintendent in any case involving suspected abuse. This way, law enforcement can take over the investigation if and when that is necessary. I would consult my superintendent about how to proceed while continuing to gather as much evidence as possible before launching a formal investigation. When sure about how to proceed, I would then consult with Tom Brown. Because Tom Brown is a friend of the alleged perpetrator Mr. Smithson, sensitivity is required. Tom Brown might react with anger, shock, and even hostility at the allegations. Therefore, we must proceed lightly to avoid a potential slander lawsuit. Only when we are absolutely sure of the evidence would I even attempt to ask Tom Brown for his support in the investigation, and even then, I might refrain from mentioning anything to him.

Interviewing students will be accomplished with the utmost sensitivity. I would call each student individually, starting with Joe Black's daughter to get a full list of those who were at her slumber party. I would also acquire a list of students in Mr. Smithson's class and interview them separately as well. I will consider creating a written interview that ensures the anonymity of the students, perhaps placing that interview online in a way that encourages students to be candid without fear of embarrassment or retribution.They might be more willing to come forward if their anonymity is ensured by filling something out online rather than talking to me directly.

If interviews with the students yield information that leads to a "reasonable cause" for suspicion, then further action will be taken. This is the point at which the investigation will become formal, and I will be forced to speak with Mr. Smithson and request that he either be placed on employment probation or tender his resignation as he prefers. The law enforcement officials might choose to deal with him separately, but it is up to me as the principal to ensure that Mr. Smithson no longer works at our school, for the safety of our students. "When employment ends as a result of an allegation of sexual misconduct with a student, the district will provide appropriate due process prior to the release of information regarding the sexual misconduct," ("Resignation of Professional Staff Members").

References

New Jersey Coalition Against Sexual Assault (n.d.). New Jersey Law. Retrieved online: http://www.njcasa.org/sexual-violence-nj/new-jersey-law

Resignation of Professional Staff Members (n..d). Retrieved online: http://policy.msbanet.org/trenton/showpolicy.php?file=GCPB-C.TNT

Trenton Public School District (2012). Personnel. Retrieved online: http://www.trenton.k12.nj.us/qsac/Personnel_09.htm

Trenton R-IX School District (2012). Reporting and investigating child abuse/neglect. Retrieved online: http://policy.msbanet.org/trenton/showpolicy.php?file=JHG-C.1L.....