STAFF-STUDENT RELATIONS | Policy Manual

1213.01 - STAFF-STUDENT RELATIONS

The School Board wants to maintain a safe and healthy educational environment for students attending the School Corporation. The interactions between Corporation employees and its students are of paramount concern. This policy addresses appropriate boundaries between Corporation employees and its students.

Sexual Relationships with Students Prohibited

Sexual conduct with or sexual relationships with students by a Corporation employee are prohibited. Any teacher, administrator, coach, school official, or staff member who engages in sexual conduct with a student may be disciplined, up to and including termination. That person’s conduct also may constitute the crime of:

"sexual battery," under I.C. 35-42-4-8; or
"child molesting" under I.C. 35-42-4-3 in the case of a child under fourteen (14) years of age; or
"child seduction" under I.C. 35-42-4-7; or
"sexual misconduct with a minor" under I.C. 35-42-4-9 in the case of a child between the ages of fourteen (14) and sixteen (16).

The issue of consent is irrelevant in regard to the latter three (3) criminal charges. Any conduct that may constitute a crime shall be reported to local law enforcement.

Any employee accused of sexual conduct or a sexual relationship with a student may be placed on leave until school administrative proceedings are completed. Proven sexual relationships with a student, regardless of the age of the student, shall initiate the termination process for the employee.

Allegations Constituting Criminal Conduct or Child Abuse/Sexual Misconduct

The Corporation’s administrators, including a Compliance Officer or designee, shall report to local law enforcement any conduct that may constitute a crime upon receiving a report of such conduct.

State law requires any teacher or school employee who knows or suspects that a child under the age of eighteen (18) is a victim of child abuse or neglect to report that knowledge or suspicion to the Department of Child Services (“DCS”) immediately.

Allegations made during harassment investigations:

If, during the course of a harassment investigation, a Compliance Officer or a designee has reason to believe or suspect that the alleged conduct may constitute abuse or neglect of a child, a report shall be made to DCS in accordance with State law and Board Policy.

If, during the course of a harassment investigation, a Compliance Officer or a designee has reason to believe or suspect that the conduct reported may constitute a crime, a report shall be made to local law enforcement.

Reports made to DCS or to local law enforcement do not terminate a Compliance Officer’s or a designee’s obligation and responsibility to continue to investigate a complaint of harassment. While the Compliance Officer or a designee may work cooperatively with outside agencies to conduct concurrent investigations, in no event shall the harassment investigation be inhibited by the involvement of outside agencies without good cause after consultation with the Superintendent.

Inappropriate Boundary Invasions by Corporation Employees

The Board prohibits inappropriate boundary invasions by a Corporation employee into a student's personal space and personal life.

Disciplinary action, up to and including termination, may result from the violation of the above-stated boundary invasions.

Allegations Involving Conduct Unbecoming the Teaching Profession/Suspension

The Superintendent shall report to the Indiana Department of Education, on forms provided for that purpose, matters of misconduct on the part of licensed professional staff members convicted of sexual battery and, in accordance with Policy 3121 - Personal Background Checks, References, and Mandatory Reporting, shall suspend such employee from all duties that concern or involve the care, custody, or control of a child during the pendency of any criminal action for which that person has been arrested, summoned and/or indicted in that regard.

T.C. 12/16/24