Keokuk Addresses Rumor Mill in Schools

Keokuk, IA – The Keokuk School District says it will do more to address rumors and accusations concerning students within its buildings. The School Board approved adding a policy on unverifiable student concerns to the staff handbook for next year. Superintendent Jane Babcock says it will deal with instances when a staff member receives information about a student being involved in a dangerous activity. The measure calls for the staff member to report any information to the principal or the student services staff. The student, and possibly the parents, are then brought in to discuss the matter with administrators. The district will also provide information on support agencies to students in certain circumstances. Babcock says this has always been district policy, though it has never been formally included in any handbook. She says the policy will not impact mandatory reporting by all staff members if they suspect a student is being abused. Babcock says the policy is not connected to a recent incident where a former teacher was charged with sexually exploiting students.