How Long Does an Arizona School Investigation Take?
When a teacher is under investigation by their school in Arizona, how long does that take?
It’s a complicated answer because it depends on the situation. Suppose you are under investigation for misconduct or unprofessional conduct, or maybe you committed a crime outside of school. In that case, the list of what you can be under investigation for is very long.
In your school, they will generally let you know and give you notice that you are under investigation. And when that process starts, typically, the teacher is put on administrative leave.
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Does a School Pay for Administrative Leave if You Are Under Investigation?
Now, usually, that’s paid administrative leave. However, sometimes it is unpaid. It just depends. But I would say the school will put you on paid administrative leave in the public school setting in the Phoenix and Scottsdale areas.
What does that mean? That means they will send you home. You’re not to come back to the school or contact anyone there unless it’s probably HR or the legal department and while they’re conducting their investigation.
Now, I’ve seen this time frame greatly vary. It just depends on how long it takes for the school to gather all the information. So, if this was just one incident, it might be quick.
What Happens if You Are Under Investigation by a District School?
They may check cameras or communication, or emails. Or do they need to conduct multiple interviews with multiple staff or students? Do they need to advise their attorneys?
I would say it’s generally at least about a month to two months. When that process wraps up, they will let you know. Then they’ll let you know if there will be any discipline against you in your employment.
If they ask you to resign, if you want to leave, or if the school will terminate you, they may also let you know they don’t have to. So you should ask: are they reporting you to the Arizona Board of Education? Will there be action against your license? In addition, are they disclosing this to the local police? Will they be opening an investigation with child protective services?
These are all things that you want to know while they’re conducting their investigation. School districts have to keep children’s safety as their top priority. So, considering they feel like students are threatened in any way. In that case, their investigation will continue until they think it’s safe for you to re-enter the classroom.
Contact Stark Law
Investigations by schools can have some severe implications for you as an educator. So, suppose the school district is ever investigating you for misconduct, especially involving a student. In that case, I always recommend advising an attorney or having them represent you during this process to ensure that you protect yourself. You know your rights, and you’re familiar with the process.
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