Grand jury: 'Systematic failures' but no criminal charges against Plum HS, district officials

“We attribute these failures in large part to an academic culture that encouraged the protection of friends and colleagues over students … turning a blind eye to obvious signs of teacher misconduct.”

 

“While we are tempted to affix criminal liability on other individuals who were clearly derelict in their statutory duties … we find ourselves effectively precluded from doing so based on the relevant statutory provisions… and the lack of documentation maintained by both administration and the school resource officer.”

 

“The crux of this investigation focused on whether the Plum School District administration ignored warning signs and allowed a child predator to continue his employment in the high school … ”

"I agree with the investigating grand jury’s recommendation that no additional charges be filed against teachers, school board members or administrators.  And, I believe under the law, a rumor is not “reasonable cause to suspect.” I disagree that following the legal advice of one’s attorney is a dereliction of one’s statutory duty. Furthermore, I dispute the accuracy of some of the testimony in the presentment. Nonetheless, there is no advantage attempting to correct these inaccuracies and conclusions referenced in the presentment, as the goal is to move forward. The Plum Borough School District has cooperated with the investigation and continues to do so as we move forward.

 

"Our focus continues to be on recovery, and helping our community and District move past the poor decisions, deception, crimes, and alleged crimes committed by a few individuals who are now being brought to justice. During the past year, and prior to the presentment, we have taken significant steps to ensure the safety and welfare of our students, including additional staff training, education, policy revisions, reporting clarity and programmatic improvements that are aligned to the presentment recommendations. It is our hope that the Plum Borough School District serves as an example of how to protect students from predators. Now, more than ever, we continue to be vigilant for the safety of our students from threats outside our walls and those from within.

 

"I am grateful to the justice system and everyone who has expressed their concerns, opinions, ideas and support as to how Plum – and every other school district – can ensure that what has taken place in our community never happens again."

“Today, we were made aware that the Allegheny County Court of Common Pleas released its final report from the grand jury which, for more than nine months, investigated several sexual abuse cases in our School District. 

 

“As a Board, this is the first time we have seen this report and it is a lengthy document. We will need some time to thoroughly read and digest its contents in order to fully understand any recommendations or insights that it contains. We want to review what the grand jury has heard, what it concluded, and what it is recommending. 

 

“While we are relieved that there are no indictments, we will conduct an internal review based on this report as it relates to the District’s policies, practices and people. While it took the grand jury many months to investigate and reach this point, we must determine what recommendations made in it are either currently being addressed or need to be, and if any further actions may be required or taken by this Board. We anticipate this review to be completed by early June. 

 

“There is no question these cases have challenged our District to set the bar high in terms of our child safety guidelines and reporting process. We have taken meaningful corrective actions and measures – including the development of a safe and supportive schools committee, revised policies and procedures, and training. We are focused on more effective transparency, communication and scrutiny when it comes to staff/student relations, with particular emphasis on social media and staff awareness of warning signs and reporting requirements. 

 

“Our focus continues to be on how best to ensure the safety and well-being of our students. We believe that our school district is better prepared than ever in protecting our students.”