The Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office is investigating a female Ridgewood Middle School teacher for alleged inappropriate behavior, Undersheriff Tim Whitney said today (Jan. 20).
“On Tuesday (Jan. 18), we were notified by an administrator at Ridgewood Middle School that they had been notified that a teacher in the school had maybe shared inappropriate photographs with one or more students in the Fox C-6 School District,” Whitney said.
He said no arrests had been made as of today (Jan. 20), but the investigation into the teacher’s actions are ongoing. The Leader will not name the woman unless she is charged with a crime.
Whitney said it is not known how the alleged inappropriate photos were shared or how many students may have received them
“Cases like this that involve forensic computer evidence can take a little bit of time,” he said. “It is an active and ongoing investigation. We are working with the school.”
In a letter Superintendent Paul Fregeau sent to district staff and families today, he said “Out of respect for the privacy of our students and staff, and in accordance with state law and Board of Education policy, the Fox School District does not discuss specific personnel matters.”
Fregeau also said, “The district immediately investigates complaints of employee misconduct and takes appropriate steps in response, including removal of employees from district property and preventing future access to our schools and students. Additionally, the district routinely cooperates with the investigations of local law enforcement and state agencies.”
Fregeau encouraged students and families to bring any concerns to Fox’s attention so the district may address the issue appropriately and promptly.
“It is understandable that as a parent, you would want to know more details of any matter that involves the safety of students, but at the same time, we must be sensitive to student privacy and personnel laws,” he said. “Public discussion on matters involving students and personnel is prohibited by law, and we are unable to share any further information at this time. Please know that the safety of Fox C-6 students and staff remains our top priority.”