LAUSD Superintendent Deasy Sends Out Videotaped Message Telling Employees How To Handle Possible Abuse Cases
LOS ANGELES (CBS) — LAUSD Superintendent John Deasy is reaching out to 84,000 district employees -- including teachers -- with a videotaped message.
His message is clear and concise. Be mindful. Watch the kids.
He wants employees to be vigilant and to keep a possible eye on sexual abuse happening in the schools. This, of course, in light of the Miramonte Elementary scandal involving two teachers, arrested in the same week, and accused of sexual misconduct and lewd acts with students -- in some cases, allegedly for years.
Edward Lawrence, reporting for CBS2 and KCAL9, has seen the video and tells us what's in it. He reported from outside the Miramonte school.
The video -- created last week -- starts with Deasy saying, "Hello, I am first and foremost a father and a teacher."
He knows the conduct of the two accused Miramonte teachers does not reflect on every employee.
In the light of the scandal, however, he reminds all employees to refer to the disctrict's "Abuse Training Kit" for information on how report potential sexual crimes against children.
He said, matter-of-fact, "our first responsibility is to protect the children under our care."
Edward spoke to several parents who believed the videotaped message was a good idea but father Victor Vasquez just wants to make sure his daughter, a special needs student, is safe. "For her and the rest of the children because right here...this community is like family."
Deasy, be sending out the video, wants to remind all staff to be more proactive.
