Central Bucks School Board To Re-Investigate Child Abuse Claims

DOYLESTOWN, PA — The Central Bucks School Board plans to engage an outside independent agency to conduct a third-party review of child abuse allegations last fall at the Jamison Elementary School.

“We want to assure you that we are treating these allegations with the utmost seriousness and are committed to taking appropriate and transparent action that is within the scope of our power and authority,” the board announced in a letter emailed to the community on Tuesday.

The allegations of teacher misconduct in a special education classroom came to light at the board’s January meeting.

The allegations prompted an investigation last fall by the district’s administrators and by the Warwick Township Police. Both investigations found no evidence of physical abuse. The teacher has also denied any wrongdoing.

The investigation did uncover some instructional and classroom practices that need improvement, said a district spokesperson.

"The teacher is being given the support needed to improve in these areas," said the spokesperson. "The pupil services, human resources and special education departments are monitoring the situation to ensure that the instructional and classroom practice deficiencies are rectified satisfactorily."

According to a complaint filed by a district employee last fall and made public by the Bucks County Courier Times, children in the classroom were allegedly improperly restrained, physically punished, left undressed for extended periods, prevented from drinking water, and communicating using speech devices.

One of the children is the son of school board member Jim Pepper who publicly called for the resignation of the superintendent last week saying he was mislead by the administration regarding the treatment of his son in the classroom.

According to the board’s letter to the community, the outside agency will focus its re-investgation on three key areas - a re-examination of the investigation, a review of internal procedures and processes, and the implementation of a safety plan for the classroom involved.

The re-examination will review "the substance of the investigation itself to ensure all aspects of the matter were thoroughly and properly addressed.”

The re-investigation will also include “a comprehensive review of the procedures and processes” followed by all departments involved in the initial investigation “to ensure we are following best practices.”

In addition, the review will include the implementation of a safety plan in the classroom where the alleged abuse took place. The plan includes the assignment of a second teacher to act as an observer, pending the outcome of the investigations.

“Board leadership has been in direct contact with the family involved, expressing our deepest care and concern during this difficult time,” writes the board in its letter. “Our focus remains on ensuring the safety and well-being of all students in our district and understanding the full scope of what has transpired.” The board added that the “thorough process will take time to complete. Please know that we are fully committed to ensuring that such allegations are handled with the utmost care and diligence.“