Convicted teacher calls in sick for 3rd straight day
MORTON, Wash. -- The convicted teacher at the center of many parents' ire has called in sick for the third day in a row.
Mick Moulton, who has been convicted of inappropriately touching students, was absent on Wednesday at Morton Junior High School for the third straight day since classes resumed on Monday.
In his absence, dozens of parents have pulled their kids from Moulton's classes, leaving a total of 22 students in all six of his class periods. At issue is Moulton's record.
In 1997, some female students said Moulton inappropriately touched them. Court document show more complaints were filed in 2005. Then came a discipline letter from the state followed by more complaints in 2008.
The 56-year-old was convicted of inappropriately touching four girls in 2008 and served 16 days in the Lewis County Jail. He was accused of touching girls on the back or shoulder. He said the contacts were pats meant as encouragement.
"There's an ethical and moral responsibility on the part of teachers, and I didn't believe he followed that," said Tom Manke, superintendent of Morton Junior High School.
Manke fired him. But even though Moulton was convicted of fourth-degree assault, a judge ruled he couldn't be fired. So he was allowed to return to school this school year.
On Tuesday, the state decided to step in to determine whether Moulton should be teaching.
"A process is lined up and it's under investigation is basically what I can say. My own personal views - I can't give you, because I'm the superintendent of public instruction," said Washington School Superintendent Randy Dorn.
Dorn expects recommendations from an investigator within two weeks, but the next meeting of a state hearings board isn't until November.
"It's a real black cloud over our district right now, and it needs to be resolved. And it's going to go on for a long time if not resolved," said Morton School District Superintendent Tom Manke.
But the state has said the process can't be hurried. The school district is consulting attorneys on the matter.
In the meantime, Moulton's future remains unclear.
Mick Moulton, who has been convicted of inappropriately touching students, was absent on Wednesday at Morton Junior High School for the third straight day since classes resumed on Monday.
In his absence, dozens of parents have pulled their kids from Moulton's classes, leaving a total of 22 students in all six of his class periods. At issue is Moulton's record.
In 1997, some female students said Moulton inappropriately touched them. Court document show more complaints were filed in 2005. Then came a discipline letter from the state followed by more complaints in 2008.
The 56-year-old was convicted of inappropriately touching four girls in 2008 and served 16 days in the Lewis County Jail. He was accused of touching girls on the back or shoulder. He said the contacts were pats meant as encouragement.
"There's an ethical and moral responsibility on the part of teachers, and I didn't believe he followed that," said Tom Manke, superintendent of Morton Junior High School.
Manke fired him. But even though Moulton was convicted of fourth-degree assault, a judge ruled he couldn't be fired. So he was allowed to return to school this school year.
On Tuesday, the state decided to step in to determine whether Moulton should be teaching.
"A process is lined up and it's under investigation is basically what I can say. My own personal views - I can't give you, because I'm the superintendent of public instruction," said Washington School Superintendent Randy Dorn.
Dorn expects recommendations from an investigator within two weeks, but the next meeting of a state hearings board isn't until November.
"It's a real black cloud over our district right now, and it needs to be resolved. And it's going to go on for a long time if not resolved," said Morton School District Superintendent Tom Manke.
But the state has said the process can't be hurried. The school district is consulting attorneys on the matter.
In the meantime, Moulton's future remains unclear.
