The superintendent of Burlington's public schools today announced that the district is looking into allegations that an unnamed staff member at Burlington High School did not disclose information about an inappropriate student-teacher relationship.
The district's written statement refers to an internal report which states that a staff member may have had enough information about a sexual relationship between a student and Spanish teacher Giovanna Yaranga to trigger the district's mandatory reporting policy.
According to Superintendent Jeanne Collins' press release:
Jim Cronan, a former State Police Investigator, was hired by the District as its investigator. He interviewed staff, parents, and students to answer the questions posed. Ultimately, Mr. Cronan confirmed that Ms. Yaranga engaged in a relationship of a sexual nature with a student which was determined to be a violation of Board Policy. Mr. Cronan also determined that a school employee had information that the District believes may well have been sufficient to trigger the employee’s mandatory reporting requirement under Board Policy.
Collins said in the release that the district would follow up on Cronan's findings and "take appropriate action in response if that is the case."
The Law and Policy require that school staff who have a "reasonable cause to believe" that child abuse is occurring, which can include a sexual relationship between a teacher and a student, must report that information to the Department of Children and Families within 24 hours. ... Regardless of whether Policy violations occurred, it is clear to the District that there is work to be done to listen more carefully and ensure that all staff know the rules around mandatory reporting.
The new developments come after Yaranga last week changed her plea in a criminal case, admitting to sexual relations with a student. Yaranga changed her plea in order to avoid jail time.
