On Monday, Jonesboro Public Schools released a statement regarding reports of a teacher engaging in inappropriate Snapchat communications with a student.
The Jonesboro School District has received multiple inquiries about the status of its investigation into a teacher engaging in inappropriate communications with students. The district wants to assure its students, parents, and staff that it is taking this matter seriously. After parents initially reported concerns about teacher misconduct to the district, the teacher was placed on administrative leave and directed to not contact students or staff about this matter. The teacher has not been back on campus since that time.
Our firm has advised the district to be thorough with its investigation by interviewing all potential witnesses and reviewing all documents collected. In doing so, the district has interviewed nearly two dozen witnesses. It is still in the process of following-up with other potential witnesses identified during this process. At this point in the investigation, no evidence has revealed that the teacher engaged in sexual or physical misconduct with any student.
The district has consulted our firm throughout this process and expects to complete its investigation within a few days. Once completed, the district’s administration will decide whether to issue disciplinary consequences to the teacher. If the superintendent chooses to recommend terminating the teacher’s contract, then the teacher will have the right to request a hearing before the school board. Due to the protections provided to teachers under Arkansas law, the district cannot provide any further information at this time.
If at any point, parents, students, or staff have concerns around text messages or inappropriate use of social media by any member of JPS staff, the district asks that you report those concerns to its administration. The Jonesboro School District holds the safety and wellbeing of its students as a top priority. The district will not tolerate conduct that adversely affects its ability to provide a safe and secure learning environment for students.
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