The Ketchikan School Board will hear its first update Wednesday about an investigation into the district’s actions related to a former teacher charged with sexual assault.
The board on Aug. 16th hired Seattle attorney Suzanne Michael to advise the board on that matter, and to oversee hiring an independent investigator. The investigation was supposed to start within two weeks. An update is on the agenda for Wednesday’s regular board meeting.
Doug Edwards was the longtime culinary arts teacher at Ketchikan High School. He retired at the end of last school year, and was arrested soon after on charges of sexual abuse of a minor. The charges state that he molested a 14-year-old girl on multiple occasions, including at the school.
Since then, others have come forward and said they had similar experiences, reported them to district officials and nothing was done. The investigation is intended to look into whether district officials acted inappropriately.
Also on Wednesday, the board will consider a motion to hire Bob Hewitt as the new Dean of Students. In that position, he would work with administrators, staff, parents and students to “build and maintain a positive, safe school climate,” according to the job description. That includes ensuring compliance with harassment policies.
In other matters, the board is scheduled to go into executive session to discuss ongoing teacher contract negotiations.
Wednesday’s meeting starts at 6 p.m. in borough assembly chambers at the White Cliff building. Public comment will be heard at the start an end of the meeting.
