Well, the repercussions of the smarmy Robert Hawkins affair just won’t go away. Two of the teachers who were terminated because the District found evidence that they had known of the affair and had done nothing to inform authorities so it could be stopped filed grievances. Backed by their Union, the Council Rock Education Association, Barbara Cavanaugh and Jill Tex had arbitration hearings a couple of months ago, and the decision has come that they are to be reinstated.
Mr. Hawkins, the convicted teacher, took the 5th Amendment and refused to answer questions about what other teachers had known about the affair, but when questioned in court he never denied that others knew.
The District Attorney’s office had been looking into evidence to see whether other teachers could also be brought up on charges for having had some role in allowing this conduct to continue. Where that investigation stands is in the hands of the District Attorney who handled the case, Jennifer Schorn. The D.A.’s office number is 215-348-6344.
Not only must these teachers be returned to their jobs, they will receive credit for steps and other retroactive benefits. And likely they must be given their actual classroom jobs back (Barbara Cavanaugh was teaching at North, and Jill Tex at South). So Council Rock students will be in their care once again — after serious concerns arose whether these teachers did anything to protect a student who was inappropriately pursued by one of their colleagues.
With more and more questions by the public as to whether teachers’ unions have students’ interests at heart or whether they exist solely to protect teachers at any cost, this development cannot improve the community’s faith in their teachers.
And it’s a shame if a black mark against caring teachers in the District comes about because of the actions of others.
Filed under: Administration, Council Rock, Crime, Ethics, Law, School Code, Students, Teachers Tagged: | Administration, Crime, Ethics, Law, School Code, Students, Teachers
Thank God for teachers’ unions! Smarmy…this is the way you describe the Robert Hawkins incident? I believe you as the fourth estate should begin to look at other much more important and impending issues in this country, and yes, even in your own backyard, and lay off of teachers who give their time (more than you will ever know) and love for their profession. To dismiss someone of Barb Cavanaugh’s experience and such seasoned wisdom is truly a travesty of justice. Lay off of this, and begin reporting on something that you that you think will catch your viewer’s attention by the sheer sensationlism and begin to apply some integrity in journalism.
Marsha- “To dismiss someone of Barb Cavanaugh’s experience and such seasoned wisdom is truly a travesty of justice” Really?? She knew about it. He was her boyfriend. She didn’t protect a child. Please, where is the “seasoned wisdom” of this teacher?? The “travesty of justice” is her hiding this information from the school district and this child’s parents.
“Incident?!” Oh, so that’s what you call it. The court called it a crime. Most of us parents of kids in these schools do too. I dare say ALL of us with no conflict of interest around CRSD employment, pensions, and healthcare call it what it is…a crime, complete with criminal co-conspirators, etc. …And by the way, dollar for dollar, compared to other blue or white collar employees, teachers aren’t “giving” us anything. Long hours are part of work today…everywhere The summer vacation for a professional annual salary is a gift. You should simply take it and say thank you. As for love of your profession, blah, blah, blah…teachers, you should really get over yourselves. This community couldn’t treat you better and you couldn’t be more greedy….a $200,000,000 budget and requiring kids to bring in miscellanous items for what? Yes, we know…it’s going towards your pay and pensions. I’m sure there’s a stack of resumes of people who want to replace CRSD teachers…so….if the job is this hard, why not go out in the free market and get something better? The union whining is getting a bit ridiculous, don’t you think? This blog is great…it is starting to wake people up. Lucky for you that the “sleep” around here is pretty deep – - so far. Keep defending the child rapist and co-conspirators though….that will wake up a few more, and then a few more. And, where oh where is our school board when we need leadership? …Thinking that raising taxes and floating bonds as is required is “smart” and “compassionate,” I suppose? It is neither and the joke is on us.
CRWATCHDOG , to set the record straight, your “facts” are not correct.
These two teachers were not “saved by the union.” The determination of their innocence was made by TWO separate impartial Arbitrators, selected by both sides , which examined every bit of testimony and found that there was, in fact, no evidence to support the allegations. They then made their decisions based on facts- not hearsay.
These teachers were found to be innocent but , despite this, you seem to thrive on continually insinuating their guilt and trying to instill fear in the parents.
It is a disgraceful and completely irresponsible attempt at journalism.
I am not sure that they were found “innocent.” The issue may well be the degree of proof in terms of sufficiency, but that is different than innocence. I think Mr. Hawkins’ lack of denying that other teachers knew is a fact in this case.
Nobody is ever found “innocent,” only “not guilty.” That means nothing.
Hawkins deserved what he got. Of course the kids should be protected. But what lesson are we teaching them by condemning someone based only on suspicion and innuendo? That is simply witch hunt, vigilante mentality.
If the arbitrators and (so far) the DA have not found sufficient evidence against these teachers, who are you to pronounce guilt? I appreciate your work, but please stick to the facts.
After talking with the DA’s office I can say that the Administration of CRSD ruined the ability of the the DA and for the District’s abitration to properly provide evidence that would have convicted the two teachers let alone allow them to be rehired.
It is utterly disgraceful that Jill Tex is getting her job back…i respected her and trusted her…and all the while she was two faced and covering for this filth who has disgraced the name of my great school. Pathetic…
This is a hard situation but i have to agree that it is time for somebody to say it, 12 weeks vacation all summer and full pay, full benefits and pension to boot and union arbitration to protect you is just way too much anymore. Anyone that was aware of this crime and did nothing to stop it or protect this girl should not rewarded and be in charge of kids. They should lose their job. Enough already.