GOP proposals would make it easier to investigate, fire teachers
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Republican state lawmakers proposed Tuesday to make it easier to investigate and fire teachers over allegations of sexual abuse, a response to controversy swirling around the Los Angeles Unified School District.
A proposed package of bills would prohibit union contracts from restricting the maintenance of records on prior investigations, eliminate a requirement that evidence of past misconduct be removed from files after four years, and streamline the dismissal process by eliminating notice requirements.
The Republicans also are following the lead of Sen. Alex Padilla (D-Pacoima), who last week proposed to remove teachers from a board that hears disciplinary appeals and instead have an administrative law judge handle such appeals.
GOP Assembly and Senate members made the proposals in response to a letter from Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa amid concerns about the arrests of several teachers on sexual misconduct charges, including two at L.A.’s Miramonte Elementary School.
“Public schools are supposed to be havens for safe learning, not a proving ground for sexual predators,” said Senate Republican leader Bob Huff of Diamond Bar. “The recent arrest of two Miramonte Elementary teachers for lewd acts against their students shows that we must change the law to protect our kids.’
ALSO:
Teachers’ contracts hinder misconduct inquiries
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-- Patrick McGreevy in Sacramento
