Jeremy Pike no longer a teacher
May 06, 2008 - 01:25 PM
By Crystal Crimi
DURHAM -- Sexual assault convictions for a former Oshawa teacher require no action by the public school board.
Jeremy Pike, who was a Grade 5 teacher at Glen Street Public School when he was arrested in July 2005, recently pleaded guilty to 10 charges relating to sexual assaults on six boys. None of the victims were Mr. Pike's students, according to his lawyer, Eric Lewis. Sentencing is expected later in May.
"No action is necessary (by the Durham District School Board) at this time because he is not an employee of the board," said Lou Vavougios, superintendent of employee relations.
Although Mr. Vavougios can't comment on specifics regarding Mr. Pike's situation or when he ceased to be an employee of board, Mr. Vavougios discussed the procedures surrounding such incidents.
"We do take the necessary steps to ensure student safety," he said. "Student safety is the priority for us."
When an employee is charged with sexual assault, it must be reported to the Ontario College of Teachers, which also conducts an investigation, said Mr. Vavougios.
If the board can't assess the situation because, for example, it happened outside the school, the employee can be suspended, generally with pay.
But, if the alleged offense occurred on school premises, the board can assess it and suspend or fire the accused. The employee can also be terminated or suspended upon a conviction, or if they fail to respond to the board's letter and phone call within a given time frame.
"In other words, for not being accountable," said Mr. Vavougios.
If the court's decision was appealed by the accused, it wouldn't change the board's decision, said Mr. Vavougios. The terminated employee would have to appeal the school board's decision through the grievance arbitration process.
Even if an accused employee is acquitted, depending on facts in the case, they can still be suspended or fired, said Mr. Vavougios.
Recommend :
Latest News
College and university disentangling servicesDURHAM -- Durham College's board of governors has axed a vice-president position created just last year as part of a process to disentangle the two institutions. The ...
Union and finance minister butt heads on auto policyDURHAM -- Finance minister Jim Flaherty said some of his constituents don't want him to bail the auto industry out but the Canadian Auto Workers are asking people to tell ...
Police informant infiltrated Hells AngelsWHITBY -- A key Crown witness in the trial of two bikers has testified he was working as a police informant all the while as he rose through the ranks to become an officer of ...
Two more tainted candy boxes found in PickeringPICKERING -- Two more cases of cold medicine inside Smarties boxes have been confirmed by the Durham Regional Police. Investigators from the Ajax-Pickering office confirmed ...
Union and finance minister butt heads on auto policyDURHAM -- Finance minister Jim Flaherty said some of his constituents don't want him to bail the auto industry out, but the Canadian Auto Workers are asking people to tell him...
Wrong people targeted in home invasions: policeDURHAM -- Two home invasion-style incidents earlier this week may have targeted the wrong people, police say. Weapons were used and victims sustained injuries in both events, ...
Police investigate months-old sex assaultOSHAWA -- Police are investigating the sexual assault several months ago of a mentally challenged woman in downtown Oshawa. The 41-year-old woman, who has cognitive and ...
Missing Oshawa man, 84, foundDurham Regional Police say an Oshawa man reported missing on Wednesday has been found safe and sound in Scarborough.Police said early Thursday morning that William Liley, ...
Ajax taxi driver robbed at gunpointAJAX -- Two men are being sought for the gunpoint robbery of a taxi driver early Saturday in Ajax. The 48-year-old driver told Durham police he was confronted by two thugs, ...
Close the Gap, Durham elementary teachers sayDURHAM -- Elementary school teachers want to Close the Gap in its current round of contract negotiations. The Elementary Teachers' Federation of Ontario (ETFO) says ...