Truth, Trust, and Thanksgiving – November 2025

It’s hard to open this month’s letter without first acknowledging the difficult few weeks our school community has endured. The recent arrests of two district employees have stirred emotions, raised questions, and, unfortunately, inspired a wave of inaccurate and inflammatory statements on social media. We understand how deeply people care about our students’ safety and that emotions can run high when trust feels shaken. But the truth matters, and so does how we respond when the facts don’t match the rumors.

 

Let’s be clear: no one who works in education ever wants to see a colleague accused of inappropriate behavior toward a student. It hurts every one of us who dedicate our lives to this profession. These incidents are not reflections of our values – they are reminders of why strong systems, accountability, and vigilance exist in the first place.

 

When any concern or complaint arises, we are duty-bound by law, by ethics, and by conscience to investigate it thoroughly. That’s not a choice; that’s our obligation. Each case is handled according to state and federal law, district policy, and, when appropriate, in coordination with law enforcement and Child Protective Services. These investigations are confidential personnel matters, which means we cannot share details publicly. But confidentiality should never be mistaken for inaction. Behind the scenes, work happens quickly and decisively when warranted.

 

In both of the recent cases, our process worked as intended. In the first, a student was pushed by a campus supervisor. The student spoke up to another adult on campus, and an internal investigation began immediately. The staff member was removed from campus, and enough evidence was found to merit an arrest. The personnel process continues separately, as it must under employment law.

 

In the second case, a student received inappropriate communications from a teacher. Again, the student did exactly what we train and hope every young person will do – speak up. The matter was swiftly investigated, the employee was removed from campus, and law enforcement determined there was sufficient evidence for arrest. Both cases are now proceeding through their proper legal and personnel channels.

 

Two different complaints. Two quick and decisive responses. Both reinforce what we mean when we say that student safety isn’t just a policy – it’s a practice.

 

Let’s also clear up one of the most damaging falsehoods we’ve seen online: the idea that “the district knew for years and did nothing.” That is simply untrue. Every report – large or small – is reviewed and investigated. Sometimes those concerns turn out to be misunderstandings or lack supporting evidence, but they are never ignored.

 

We also follow through beyond our district. When a staff member’s conduct toward a student is determined to be inappropriate, the district files with the state’s teacher credentialing agency. Those filings can result in loss of license or create a record that alerts future employers. Accountability does not end when someone leaves our employment; it follows wherever they go.

 

We recognize that social media thrives on outrage, but truth and accountability take patience. We cannot, and will not, try cases on Facebook. What we can do is remain transparent about our commitment and the systems we have in place:

 

• All employees undergo criminal background checks that update automatically.
• All employees complete annual training on professional boundaries, mandatory reporting, and appropriate use of technology.
• All schools maintain multiple reporting channels so students and staff can safely voice concerns.

 

This three-layered approach – prevention, training, and response – is how we keep our schools safe, and it is working.

 

Still, as we head toward Thanksgiving, it’s also important to remember gratitude. Gratitude for the courage of students who speak up. Gratitude for parents who teach their children to trust their instincts. Gratitude for staff who uphold the highest standards every day. And gratitude for a community that, even in moments of anger and confusion, cares deeply about the well-being of its children.

 

We will always have more work to do. Safety is not a destination – it’s a daily discipline. But we are not a district that hides from hard truths. We face them, we fix what needs fixing, and we keep going with honesty and heart.

 

This month, as we gather around our tables and count our blessings, let’s remember that trust, like gratitude, grows strongest when it’s tested. Our students are watching us – how we respond, how we speak, and how we treat one another in moments of challenge. Let’s show them that truth still matters, that decency still wins, and that our schools remain the safest places we can make them.