G2400.01 - Reporting Sexual Conduct or Child Abuse by School Employee Towards Student

A new law, effective July 1, 2010, requires reporting and other procedures when a staff member is suspected of directed sexual conduct toward a student.  Please inform your staff about the requirements below:

1.  Sexual Conduct by School employees towards students is prohibited.
The District strictly prohibits child abuse and sexual conduct by school employees.  “Child Abuse” is defined in District Administrative Rule G2400 and discussed above.

“Sexual conduct” means any verbal or physical conduct by a school employee that:

1.    Is sexual in nature;

2.    Is directed toward a student;

3.    Has the effect of unreasonably interfering with a student’s educational performance; and

4.    Creates an intimidating, hostile or offensive educational environment. 

Sexual conduct does not include behavior that would be child abuse as outlined in District Administrative Rule G2400 - Reporting Child Abuse.

All employees are subject to this administrative rule.

2.  Employees need to follow certain reporting procedures in cases of Suspected Child Abuse or Sexual Conduct by School Employee:  Any employee who suspects that another employee, contractor or volunteer has engaged in child abuse or sexual conduct must immediately report it to his/her supervisor and the Director of Human Resources or designee who may be reached at 541‑790‑7660.  This reporting obligation is in addition to the duty of every school employee to report suspected child abuse to a local law enforcement agency or the local office of the Department of Human Services.

      No reprisal or adverse action will be taken as a result of an employee who initiates a good faith report about suspected child abuse or sexual conduct by a school employee.

3.  Administrative Leave and Investigation:  In all cases of suspected child abuse or sexual conduct by a school employee there will be an investigation conducted, and in some cases, the district will place an employee on paid administrative leave pending the investigation. 

4.   Required Training:  By law, district employees must receive training each year on the prevention and identification of child abuse and sexual conduct and on employees’ obligations to report.  Additional information on the mandatory training will be provided by Human Resource later in the year.

5.  Required Posting:  The law requires each school building to post the name and contact information of the persons designated for the school building to receive reports of suspected child abuse by school employees and the procedures the person will follow upon receipt of a report.  In addition to this notice, please post District Administrative Rule G2400.01 in a conspicuous place.