Tiffin City Schools to enhance reporting system, safety measures following teacher resignation

Tiffin, Ohio — Tiffin City Schools is taking steps to enhance its reporting system and create a safer environment for students and staff after the recent resignation of a teacher.

According to a Facebook post by Superintendent Ben Richards on Wednesday, the school district was made aware of an allegation involving a Tiffin Middle School teacher on Jan. 24, involving a potential violation of the professional educator standards.

The teacher was placed on administrative leave on Jan. 25 and resigned on Jan. 26 before any investigation could be completed. The allegations have been referred to the Ohio Department of Education for further investigation, according to Richards.

“Subsequently, we have worked with the Tiffin Police Department regarding any new allegations that may come to light. They are a tremendous community partner with our school district. If anyone has additional concerns that may need to be investigated, please contact the Tiffin Police at 419-447-2323,” Richards wrote in the Facebook post.

The school district is now enhancing its reporting system, where individuals are asked to place reports or concerns in written form, according to Richards.

“This gives us an accountability piece to ensure that all concerns are heard and addressed organizationally,” Richards said.

Each report will go to the building principal, a member of the central office cabinet, and the superintendent. The school district is also working with a team of experts to discuss the importance of reporting concerns with students and staff.

Superintendent Richards says that the goal is to ensure that all students can feel safe and secure while at school and encourages anyone with concerns to contact him.

According to the post, the allegations against the teacher in question did not involve any current students and did not constitute any criminal violations.

“As the father of two students in the district, I share in the desire to encourage and foster a culture where all students and staff feel safe and respected,” Richards added.