A teacher’s aid at Goshen High School has been placed on a leave of absence after school leaders were made away of inappropriate text messages that were allegedly sent to a student.
According to a statement released by schools superintendent Diane Woodworth, the district contacted the Goshen Police Department to investigate the messages.
The district is also doing its own internal review.
Goshen Community Schools Superintendent Diane Woodworth issued the following statement:
On October 11, 2018, Goshen Community Schools leadership was made aware of texts that were sent from a paraprofessional at the high school to one of the students. Since the content of the texts was inconsistent with policy, the district immediately placed the employee on a leave of absence and contacted law enforcement to review and investigate the messages.
“Our priority is always the wellbeing of our students,” stated Dr. Diane Woodworth, Superintendent of Schools. “In today’s world, we work closely with our local authorities when an issue like this arises. In addition, we provide additional support and counseling for any students if it is needed.”
District officials noted that since this is an active investigation by law enforcement, all further questions should be directed to the local authorities. If anyone has additional information of concern regarding this incident, the Goshen Police Department should be contacted. If individuals have academic or school questions, they should not hesitate to call the Superintendent’s office or contact their building principal.
“We will conduct our own internal investigation to ensure that district policies are followed with regard to the paraprofessional,” noted Superintendent Woodworth. “If at any point parents have concerns around text messages or inappropriate use of social media by any member of our staff, we ask that you share those concerns with our district leadership.”
Goshen Community Schools is committed to clarifying for all employees the importance of using text messages and technology appropriately and professionally. In addition, the district will continue to provide orientations and professional development activities that help employees understand both the dangers of technology and how to engage it appropriately.
Superintendent Woodworth emphasized the year is off to a great start, “In spite of this unusual situation, we are off to a great 2018-19 school year. I am so impressed with how our students strive for excellence in all that they do. Truly, our students and alumni are enriching the world, both locally and globally.”
