Two ESHS teachers ‘removed’ from campus as cops probe claims

Two Elmore Stoutt High School teachers have been “removed from the school premises” while police and other officials investigate separate allegations of “inappropriate behaviour,” according to a letter Principal Vanessa Garraway sent to parents.

Officials, however, have been tight-lipped on the nature of the allegations, and they have not named the accused teachers or said when they were removed from the school.

Ms. Garraway’s Oct. 11 letter, which described the teachers’ removal as a “precautionary measure,” said ESHS is cooperating with investigations by the police and the Social Development Department.

“The safety and well-being of our students are our highest priority, and we are dedicated to maintaining a safe and supportive learning environment,” the letter stated. “We have taken immediate steps to ensure the safety of all students, and we will continue to do everything in our power to uphold this commitment.”

Counselling

Counselling services, she added, are available for students who wish to discuss concerns.

“We are also currently planning various outreach initiatives to educate teachers and students regarding this issue,” the principal wrote.

She also urged parents to speak with their children about the issue and encourage them to tell a trusted adult about any situations that made them feel uncomfortable.

“Additionally, we must address the serious implications of making false allegations,” Ms. Garraway wrote.

“We also ask you to encourage your child to refrain from engaging in any action or behaviour which could cause further harm to any student who may be perceived to be involved in these allegations.”

Ministry’s statements

Following reports in the online media, the Ministry of Education, Youth Affairs and Sports previously announced the allegations in brief press releases issued on Sept. 19 and Oct. 10.

Each release stated that a “serious allegation” had been made against a teacher and emphasised the ministry’s commitment to safety in schools.

Neither statement, however, provided further details about the allegations or mentioned that a teacher had been removed from the school.

The Oct. 10 statement from noted that the ministry was unable to provide additional details during the investigations.

Information requests

Asked Oct. 14 for an update, Karia Christopher, government’s acting communications director, told the Beacon that the matters had been referred to the Teaching Service Commission pending “the submission of official reports” from the investigating agencies.

Police Information Officer Akia Thomas-Nero said the next day that police were unable to provide further information at the time.