The San Diego Sheriff’s DeÂpartment is actively investiÂgating reports of “sexual misÂconduct” amongst students at a local elementary school, the agency recently posted.
According to authorities, Shadow Hills Elementary School principal Pete Selleck contacted the department on Feb. 22 to report the alleged incident. They did not provide details about what allegedly ocÂcurred but did write that the District Attorney’s office would be responsible for any decisions related to criminal charges in the matter.
However, in what appears to be a letter from Alpine Union School District Superintendent Richard Newman to parents and posted on social media, the district leader said “I can conÂfirm that we received a report of students involved in incidents of a sexual nature in the restÂroom on campus and during the school day. We are in touch with the families involved. I can conÂfirm that the alleged perpetraÂtor is not on campus.”
“I realize that parents have many questions, including wanting to know students’ names and potential discipline, but I am legally prohibited from releasing these details due to strict laws that protect minors’ privacy rights,” Newman added. “The fact that I may not release these details should not be inÂterpreted as us hiding from the facts and not taking urgent acÂtion and appropriate action. I assure you that we have our full attention on this situation, and our ultimate action will be based on facts, the law, and our commitment to student well-beÂing and safety. We are working closely with the Major Crimes division to ensure a thorough process.”
The superintendent reportÂedly hosted a meeting Feb. 28 to address the incident with disÂtrict staff and had scheduled a community meeting for Tuesday at the Shadow Hills auditorium.
In the letter, Newman said the district was taking the folÂlowing actions:
Restroom Use – Effective immediately and on all school campuses, we will allow only one student in the restroom at a time, and there will be campus supervision outside all student restrooms.
Mental Health Support – SoÂcial workers and school counÂselor will be readily available to any student who needs support. Please know that they are there for your children should they need someone to speak to. Additionally, they are a reÂsource for our families.
Student SupÂport – In age-appropriate mesÂsages, we will be reminding all students that if they ever see or hear something worrisome or concerning, they should speak with a trusted adult.
Ongoing Prevention – With age-appropriate techniques, students will learn about perÂsonal space and respecting boundaries.
Ongoing Staff Training – The district will provide continued education to school personnel about child sexual abuse and trafficking.
Parent Support – The district is working on providing addiÂtional support for our families.
