Teacher Who Kissed 2nd-Grader Banned From Grounds: UPDATE

STERLING, VA—A second grade teacher at Sugarland Elementary school who was arrested Friday, May 31, after allegedly kissing a student on the mouth and cheek on multiple occasions during the past school year was placed on leave from the school about two weeks before being charged, according to a letter sent to parents and staff members Friday by Sugarland principal Gail Brady.

Robert A. Skiffington, 64, of Centreville, was charged with simple assault and battery, a Class 1 misdemeanor, according to the Loudoun County Sheriff's Office. The principal will hold a parent meeting 5 p.m. Monday, June 3, in the school cafeteria at 65 Sugarland Run Drive to discuss the issue "so that we have the opportunity to talk with one another in a way that focuses on the needs of our students and school community."

Skiffington was released on a $3,500 unsecured bond, and Brady said "the terms of the bond prohibit him from having contact with people under the age of 18." She said LCPS is in the process of executing a "no trespass" letter to Skiffington, adding that "although LCPS has not received any information to indicate that Mr. Skiffington might attempt to return to campus, additional security personnel will be on campus through the end of the school year in order to provide a reassuring presence."

On May 15, it was reported to school staff at that a teacher had inappropriate contact with a student. The matter was reported to a LCSO school resource officer. The ensuing investigation was conducted by the LCSO's Special Victims Unit in coordination with the Loudoun County Commonwealth's Attorney.

Meanwhile, LCPS superintendent issued a statement that included the following:

The vast majority of the almost 12,000 employees of Loudoun County Public Schools (LCPS) consistently meet or exceed expectations. However, when an LCPS employee behaves in a way that puts students at risk or violates the law, LCPS responds immediately and decisively.

Our top priority is to ensure the safety of all our students and staff. Thus, our expectations and practices are very clear when there is suspicion of misconduct. These practices are governed by federal and state laws and School Board policy.

Employees must report suspected child abuse or neglect to appropriate authorities. Additionally, supervisors who suspect an employee of child abuse or neglect must contact Human Resources so that appropriate personnel action occurs and must contact law enforcement when the violation relates to work or to suspected child abuse or neglect.

I’ve taken action to ensure employees understand these important expectations through policy clarifications as well as through new training for thousands of employees. These policies . . . provide specific examples of alleged or observed behavior in terms of relationships with students that must be reported. . .

We are committed to holding all our employees to high standards even if it generates negative publicity.

Even before employees are hired, LCPS is committed to preventing misconduct. For example, LCPS conducts background checks on all prospective new hires, including checking fingerprints through law enforcement databases for previous criminal convictions or current charges; conducting child protective services checks to determine if an applicant has been involved in any founded incidents involving child welfare; and conducting a professional reference check. In performing background checks for all prospective employees, we also review a database of negative licensure actions maintained by a professional association of licensing entities, such as state departments of education. We started using the database during the 2017-2018 school year shortly after school divisions were authorized for access. Subsequently, we were recognized for our pioneering use of the database. . .

Our community can be assured that we are constantly monitoring and diligently working to ensure the safety of all.