Jersey City Superintendent of Schools Dr. Norma Fernandez said that a teacher was placed on administrative leave due to a criminal probe by federal and local law enforcement during last night’s six-hour board of education (BOE) meeting.
Screenshot via Facebook Live.
By John Heinis/Hudson County View
“Recently upon learning of law enforcement’s investigation and allegations involving a teacher in that district we immediately fell into or implemented, initiated our standard protocols to safeguard our school community,” she began during remarks from last night.
“The individual was placed on administrative leave immediately and access to all district facilities, electronic networks, student data platforms and cloud storage accounts was revoked. The district continues to cooperate fully with federal and local law enforcement authorities through their ongoing investigation.”
Fernandez continued that the district is reviewing “its digital protocols and administrative privileges and networks” to ensure that the highest levels of security and safety are maintained.
Further, she said that there is no reason to believe any students were involved with, or harmed, by any of the alleged crimes being investigated, though noted that school counselors and support staff are available as needed.
“Because this matter involves an active criminal prosecution, as well as confidential personnel proceedings, the district is legally restricted from providing further specifics. All inquiries, should there be any, should be directed to law enforcement,” Fernandez stated.
“The district remains steadfast committed to maintaining a safe, secure, and supportive educational environment for every student we serve.”
She added that the Office of Student Protection notifies her when an employee is arrested, the district receives monthly lists from the New Jersey Department of Education to show any teachers who have had certificates suspended or revoked.
Fernandez also clarified that the Jersey City Public Schools removes all stuff under investigation by the New Jersey Investigation Unit of Institutional Abuse, while bus drivers are subject to random drug tests by the New Jersey Department of Transportation.
She also refuted a report by Facebook blog the Hudson County Chronicles from Wednesday that said FBI agents visited the Jersey City BOE’s central office on Tuesday and removed a computer (they later said they could not verify is any equipment was seized).
“That was false information,” she said, though she incorrectly said the story was published by HCV.
Back in June, Fernandez confirmed that the district’s special education report, which contained multiple allegations of malfeasance, were referred to authorities for a criminal probe.
Shortly thereafter, school officials confirmed that the report was referred to the Hudson County Prosecutor’s Office.
At last night’s lengthy meeting, the schools superintendent did not indicate whether or not the two matters were related.
