Rocky River High School investigation leads five teachers to resign, one to retire: What the district found

CLEVELAND — Rocky River schools Superintendent Michael Shoaf released results from an investigation into high school staff members accused of inappropriately discussing a student, which led to five teachers resigning and one retiring. The investigation found photographs of a student, taken in a classroom, on the phone of one of the teachers, according to a statement from Shoaf sent out on Wednesday. Some teachers were also found to be in an "inappropriate text chain regarding staff members," which did not contain photos of students. Another teacher was under investigation regarding previous conduct, as a former student brought it up when the investigation was publicized. That teacher resigned. "In lieu of a lengthy employment termination process, the departure of these six staff members provides our school district with the swiftest route — without litigation — to provide 100-percent certainty that these individuals will not return to a Rocky River City School District classroom," the letter reads. The school district will send findings to the Ohio Department of Education. Rocky River police initially closed their investigation into the incident, but reopened it on March 30. Police did not specify what caused them to reopen the investigation, though a statement read that "previously undisclosed information may exist that indicates evidence of criminal activity, allowing Rocky River police to reopen the criminal case involving several teachers employed by Rocky River High School." Here is the letter sent out: April 7, 2021 As we have navigated the recent weeks, we have continually stressed the importance of providing a safe, healthy, and productive learning environment for our students. Throughout this difficult time, we have been focused on keeping students safe while gathering the necessary facts needed to ensure that our response was swift, focused, and accurate. At this time, the district is announcing that five teachers have submitted their resignations and one teacher has submitted his retirement. Upon learning of the incident involving high school staff members inappropriately discussing a student, we acted swiftly to protect the safety and well-being of students and immediately removed these staff members from the building using proper procedures. An investigation was launched, legal counsel was involved and the Rocky River Police Department (RRPD) was notified. During the course of our investigation of the information contained in the video relating to three high school teachers, we learned of and obtained photographs of a fully-clothed student on the phone of one of the teachers. The photos, taken in a classroom, were inappropriate enough to warrant concern because they violated Board Policy. Law enforcement and the courts have been made aware of the circumstances and the pictures. The investigation followed all applicable legal channels and protocols. Because of the thoroughness of the investigation, we learned that along with the three staff members, two additional high school teachers were involved in an inappropriate text chain regarding staff members. The text chain between these five individuals, which was private, did not contain photographs of students. Those staff members were immediately removed from campus. Subsequently, of these five teachers, four have resigned their employment and one has retired. Due to the publicity associated with the investigation, a former student contacted the Rocky River City School District to express concern over another member of the high school staff regarding alleged inappropriate communication and contact which occurred in the past. This sixth staff member was immediately removed from the building and has since resigned his employment. In lieu of a lengthy employment termination process, the departure of these six staff members provides our school district with the swiftest route — without litigation — to provide 100-percent certainty that these individuals will not return to a Rocky River City School District classroom. Results from the district's investigation will be shared with the Ohio Department of Education Office of Professional Conduct who will utilize their authority to determine any further consequences – including review of licensure – through their own independent investigation. The district will also continue to cooperate with the RRPD as they continue their criminal investigation. Let us be clear. The Rocky River City School District holds our staff to the highest professional and ethical standards and anything less than this is unacceptable and will not be tolerated. If the safety of a student is in question, it is the professional and ethical obligation of our staff members to report that situation to the proper individuals. This expectation has been made clear to our staff members on many occasions as well as during mandatory annual trainings. Any conduct to the contrary does not reflect the culture of the dedicated educators and staff of the Rocky River City School District. Moving forward, we continue to be committed to creating a safe environment for all students that closely adheres to the values and priorities of the Rocky River community. As a district, it is our intention to use this matter as an opportunity to reinforce the high professional and ethical behavioral expectations we have for our staff. Assistant Superintendent Elizabeth Anderson will lead a healing initiative which will ensure student safety and reinforce staff training. The Rocky River High School counseling team, the McKeon Education Group and the Diversity Center of Northeast Ohio will all be involved in this initiative. I want to thank the community for its patience during our investigative process and once again assure you that the safety and well-being of all students throughout the district will continue to be our number one priority. Thank you. Michael G. Shoaf Superintendent ___ (c)2021 The Plain Dealer, Cleveland Visit The Plain Dealer, Cleveland at www.cleveland.com Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.