Oct 18, 2007 - The Press & Sun-Bulletin, "Student sex abuse by teachers is growing problem" has this about investigations in New York state.
New York investigates cases under Part 83 of state Education Law. The law requires school districts to report to the state any action by a certified educator that raises a reasonable question about that person's moral character, [Jonathan Burman, a spokesman for the state Education Department] said.The number of moral conduct accusations against teachers, administrators and aides in New York has doubled in five years, according to state Education Department reports.
Following a report, the state Office of School Personnel Review and Accountability does an investigation that can lead to a range of penalties, including revocation of a teaching certificate, Burman said. To handle the misconduct cases, the department has six investigators and three attorneys. An average case costs local taxpayers nearly $129,000 and takes 520 days to complete.
At the same time, an individual school district can file separate charges against a teacher under 3020-a, the state's mechanism for disciplining tenured teachers. The charges can lead to a range of punishments, including termination of employment.
