Cardinal J. Bernardin Librarian Fired Amidst Misconduct Allegations

ORLAND HILLS, IL — A librarian and seventh grade social studies teacher at Cardinal J. Bernardin School in Orland Hills has been terminated amidst claims of misconduct, school administrators told families on Tuesday.

The teacher—who Patch will not name publicly unless criminal charges are filed—allegedly asked a student to "rub/scratch" her back, according to reports to the school administration, officials said. The teacher was placed on leave last week after the allegations surfaced.

The conduct does not align with Archdiocesan Standards of Behavior, the school said in the letter dated March 18.

A teacher speaking on the condition of anonymity last week said the librarian "was teaching a first grade class when she asked a student to scratch an itch she had in her back. There was no rubbing whatsoever or any other kind of 'inappropriate' gestures."

School administrators worked with the Archdiocese of Chicago to determine a course of action. The Archdiocese informed the teacher Tuesday that she would be terminated.

Principal Jeanne Pagliaro told families Tuesday that they would shift resources to accommodate the staffing change.

"We know the students enjoy library time, so it will be facilitated by the classroom teachers at their discretion," Pagliaro said in a letter to families. "Our most important priority right now is to make this transition as smooth as possible for the students so there is no disruption to their learning as they finish the last part of the school year. "