From Deseret News archives:
Teacher trouble School board looks for ways to prevent misconduct
While board members aren't likely to issue an all-out ban on soft furniture, it is an option as they ponder what the state can do to prevent student-teacher sexual incidents from occurring. West High history teacher Jose Bernardo Fanjul, 45, is facing 10 felony charges for allegedly sexually abusing a 17-year-old female student. If convicted, he faces up to life in prison. Fanjul was bound over for trial, and he's scheduled for an arraignment on Monday.
Board members were told police confiscated a couch from Fanjul's classroom to examine for forensic evidence. While Salt Lake City police won't confirm that, it has stuck in the minds of board members.
"Why are there couches in high school rooms?" board member Randall Mackey asked in an interview with the Deseret News.
West High students interviewed said Fanjul had a couch in his classroom along with a small refrigerator full of snacks. Students could lie down on the couch if they didn't feel well or were having a bad day.
The students said many teachers at the school have couches in their classrooms and it's no big deal.
Utah State Office of Education attorney Carol Lear agreed that a couch in a classroom doesn't necessarily mean the teacher has ulterior motives.
"Many teachers I know have couches. I've heard enough stories about people having interludes on desks and floors and weight rooms," Lear said. "I don't think a couch makes a difference. It's not about a couch."
Board vice chairman Mark Cluff said the board isn't to the point of proposing a rule on couches in classrooms but will continue discussions.
"It doesn't seem appropriate," Cluff said. "Let's think about it and talk about it."
Board member Richard Moss said if the board does create a rule on furniture, it wouldn't be a blanket policy. Lots of kindergarten rooms have cozy reading areas. "Every situation is different," he said.
Greg Skordas, a Salt Lake criminal defense attorney, said if the board wants to prevent illicit incidents, it should require windows on classroom doors. Forbidding teachers from meeting with students after school hours or without staff nearby also would be a good idea, he said.
"Why invite problems?" said Skordas, a former sex-crimes prosecutor and victim advocate.
Board member Debra Roberts said education leaders and the community need to help prevent situations from arising.
"Watch, be wary, be careful," she said. "We have to keep an eye out. But I don't think you can anticipate that type of evil and there is no other word for it."
These are troublesome issues, Mackey conceded.
"A number of parents have asked me 'What are you doing about this? How did we let this happen in our schools?"' he said.
"Those are very good questions. And we owe parents an answer."
E-mail: astewart@desnews.com
Recent comments
Getting rid of couches will not solve the problem...that will not...
c | Nov. 14, 2008 at 8:55 a.m.
Teachers will never be paid what they are worth as many parents view...
Anonymous | Nov. 11, 2008 at 7:33 a.m.
I am pointing out that "benefits" are NOT benefits if they are paid...
re:offended teacher | Nov. 11, 2008 at 6:46 a.m.
- Sports on the air 1:21 a.m.
- 2009 MLS Cup recap 12:45 a.m.
- MLS Cup winners, MVPs 12:41 a.m.
- Real Salt Lake: Game at a glance 12:36 a.m.
- Paper circulation worse than it looks 12:28 a.m.
- RSL wins MLS Cup on penalty kicks 12:22 a.m.
- Editorial: Cancer screening 12:15 a.m.
- Afterthoughts 12:15 a.m.
- Treat teachers with respect, trust 12:15 a.m.
- 'Reform' helps old, hurts young 12:15 a.m.
- BYU records with win
- Jazz outlast Pistons in overtime
- Glenn Beck to enter politics?
- Cougars turn focus to dreaded rivals
- Cougars put the fun back in football
- Former BYU professor remembered
- Kirilenko heating up for the Jazz
- Police link alcohol to murder
- Wendover airfield's legacy lost?
- Florida No. 1, TCU 4 in AP Top 25
- Buttars wants to limit gay rights laws
202 - Glenn Beck to enter politics?
191 - Palin plans tour stop in Utah
178 - RSL wins MLS Cup on penalty kicks
130 - BYU records with win
129 - Palin's book shows she's unqualified
125 - Officer cleared in Cardall Taser case
103 - BYU cuts Women's Research Inst.
100 - Jazz finally win in San Antonio
98 - Utes knock off rival Aggies
93
A little after midnight Wednesday morning, about 21 hours ago as I write...
There's a lot of reason to leave your plastic home as you shop:
That game was amazing! I think this will really help the sport grow in Utah....
Congrats on a great win. Utah as a whole should be proud not just of a major...
Congrats Real Salt Lake! but, they aren't the first major sports team to...
I told ALL of you how much i liked NED Pure irony his contributions vs x...
this is to NevadaUTE @ 10:25!!! I love soccer, I love Real and it brought a...
wow!!! amazing. UTAH JAZZ DO SOMETHING!!!
So much fear and anger from Beck lovers. You all lost the last election, we...
This is the most emotion I have had watching a sporting event since my...
Nicky Rimando is my hero! I love that guy. He has had his detractors, but...
Two stars means nothing! We played as a team and it showed! I'm still in...


