D25 teacher placed on administrative leave
UPDATE 2:00 p.m. An elementary school teacher has been charged with one count of rape and one count of lewd conduct with a minor.
Tiffany Marie Petersen, 46, was arrested Thursday night after being indicted by a grand jury.
She spent the night in jail and was released on her own recognizance Friday morning.
Petersen has been placed on administrative leave by Pocatello/Chubbuck School District 25.
District officials said she will remain on administrative leave until further notice.
“This is a decision that was in the best interest of our students and the district,” said Superintendent Dr. Douglas Howell. “As a public school district, we accept the responsibility to protect the safety and well-being of our students and staff in a positive learning environment. This is an obligation that we take very seriously, and one that prompts us to take swift, consistent action when necessary.”
Petersen will be arraigned on the charges next week.
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ORIGINAL:
Pocatello/Chubbuck School District 25 has placed one of its teachers on administrative leave, effective January 17, 2019.
District officials said the employee will remain on administrative leave until further notice.
“This is a decision that was in the best interest of our students and the district,” said Superintendent Dr. Douglas Howell. “As a public school district, we accept the responsibility to protect the safety and well-being of our students and staff in a positive learning environment. This is an obligation that we take very seriously, and one that prompts us to take swift, consistent action when necessary.”
In alignment with the mission of the Pocatello/Chubbuck School District to provide a safe, supportive and orderly learning environment for all to learn and work, the District requires criminal history checks (CHC) for employees, volunteers and contracted service providers within five (5) days of starting employment. District employees also sign the Code of Ethics and Employee Standard of Conduct, signaling that they have read and understand their personal and professional responsibilities, as well as the district’s and the State of Idaho’s expectations.
Idaho code 74-106 (1) prevents Pocatello/Chubbuck School District 25 from disclosing information regarding active personnel matters. Therefore, no additional information is available at this time about this matter.
Regarding Administrative Leave: IDAHO EDUCATION CODE 33-513 (7c)
(c) If the period of involuntary leave of absence is due to the district’s need to conduct an investigation into the conduct of the certificated employee, and there are no related criminal investigation(s) and/or criminal charges of any nature pending, the administration shall complete its investigation within a period of sixty (60) working days. On or before the sixtieth working day, the administrative leave shall either cease and the certificated employee shall be returned to his position of employment or the administration shall advance a personnel recommendation to the board of trustees. If a recommendation is advanced, the involuntary leave of absence shall continue until such time as the district board has made its decision in regard to the personnel recommendation with such decision effectively concluding the involuntary leave of absence. If a related criminal investigation is occurring and/or criminal charges are pending, the district shall not be bound to any limitation as to the duration of involuntary leave of absence. The timelines established in this section may be waived or modified by mutual agreement.
