Reply to Concern about Forestville and Sherman Franklin Elementary Schools

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Reply to "Concern about Forestville and Sherman Franklin Elementary Schools"

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[quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous]I know the family and have seen the email.  It involves a former student and teacher at Forestville Elementary who were there then (2002) and the teacher is now at Franklin Sherman Elementary School.  After intensive therapy, the victim was brave enough to come forward in December 2021.  The police thought it was credible enough to obtain a warrant, search the teacher's house, and interview him.  They did not find anything and he denied the allegations.  This is not surprising if it happened 20 years ago and the teacher has any sense of self-preservation.  The police lost interest due to a lack of evidence and FCPS did nothing.  The victim was frustrated that he was not taken seriously and that the teacher was allowed to continue to have access to young children.  He sent the email this week to some parents and FCPS administration (3/20/22).  FCPS pressured the police to close the case, which they did on Monday (3/20/22!) without further investigation.  I am 100% sure the allegations are true.  The victim, understandably, wants to hold the teacher accountable and ensure he is not able to do the same to others.  The teacher should not be around children.  PLEASE PRESSURE FCPS TO DO THE RIGHT THING AND GET THE GUY OUT OF SCHOOLS![/quote]

If the case has been closed by the police, there is literally no basis for removing the teacher.  Irrespective of whether the allegations are true -- and I have no idea if they are or are not -- it sets the absolute wrong standard to suspend or terminate someone based on claims that have been investigated and found not to warrant charges.  If more evidence is developed or discovered in the future, then action can be taken.  But you cannot and should not punish someone based solely on an allegation.[/quote]

Do you even realize the trauma a child goes through when in an environment that is suppose to be a safe space for him is destroyed because of an trusted adult.  It takes an immense amount of courage to to relive the experience and then come out and report the abuser. [/quote]

Yes.  I also realize the trauma that an adult goes through when their employment is terminated and their life is ruined based on an unfounded allegation.  If FCPS or the police finds probable cause based on an investigation, then full and appropriate action should be taken against the teacher.  If there is no probable cause -- which appears to be the determination (at least so far) -- then no action should be taken.  This is not a question of who to believe.  It is question of fundamental fairness to everyone involved. [/quote]

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