Redlands Unified School District

Office of the Superintendent

P.O. Box 3008 Redlands, California 92373-1508 (909) 307-5300

July 6, 2013 Contact Person: Mrs. Lori Rhodes Superintendent of Schools (909) 307-5300 lori_rhodes@redlands.k12.ca.us

Statement of Superintendent Lori Rhodes on Recent Media Reports Suggestions that the Redlands Unified School District deliberately failed to report an alleged sexual relationship between a teacher and a student are incorrect. The district received the first credible information about a possible relationship this past Monday, July 1, when the mother of the alleged victim reported it to the district. As required by law, the Redlands Police Department was notified right away. In fact, Assistant Superintendent Sabine Robertson-Phillips spoke with the police immediately after taking the mothers statement and while the mother was still present. Prior to the above, an unsubstantiated report based on one persons observations and inferences about a teacher and a student was brought to the administrations attention. The person making that report acknowledged that it was speculative and presented without evidence of any kind. Nonetheless, the teacher and the student were interviewed separately in an attempt to find out whether there was substance to the persons concerns. At that time, not only the teacher but also the student were adamant that nothing improper had occurred, and there was no credible evidence to the contrary. However, weeks later, on July 1,when the students mother came forward to the Citrus Valley High School office, Dr. Robertson-Phillips did not hesitate to call the police. Our continued thoughts and prayers are extended to the victims and their families. All employees of the RUSD understand and accept their responsibility to report any reasonable suspicion of abuse. It is a responsibility we take to heart and would never violate. We did not violate it in this case. The RUSD appreciates that the Redlands Police Department must conduct a thorough investigation of the allegations, and we will cooperate fully to see that all the facts are brought to light.