April 1, 2011
To the Editor:
Last week, it was brought to our attention that a Great Mills High School staff member was allegedly involved in exchanging inappropriate notes and electronic messages with a student. This is an improper relationship. This unfortunate situation was dealt with in a swift and cooperative manner by school system staff, the Department of Social Services, and the Sheriff’s Department.
In light of this incident, I have again reinforced to school system staff my ongoing directive that all school system employees must always conduct themselves in a responsible and professional manner at all times. Every employee of St. Mary’s County Public Schools is expected to uphold high standards when working with our students, and must always exercise good judgment in our interactions with them.
All candidates for employment are given thorough background checks to prevent anyone with a history of abuse or inappropriate conduct from gaining employment. Each year, every staff member is required to attend a Child Abuse/Sexual Harassment (CASH) in-service. It is our individual and collective responsibility to immediately report any suspected cases of child abuse/sexual harassment. Our staff will continue to be vigilant in the area.
Additionally, the Board of Education of St. Mary’s County’s policy on staff/student relations, Policy JFA states:
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