Jose Fanjul's teaching license suspended

SALT LAKE CITY — Former West High history teacher Jose Fanjul, who was accused of sexual misconduct with a then-16-year-old female student, now has a two-year suspension of his teaching license, although he was acquitted of criminal charges last year.

The State Board of Education voted unanimously Thursday to accept the suspension as recommended by the State Office of Education's Professional Practices Advisory Commission.

"It's essentially an indefinite suspension with an opportunity to apply for reinstatement in two years," State Office of Education Attorney Carol Lear told the Deseret News.

When contacted via phone Thursday afternoon, Fanjul told the Deseret News he was not aware of the board's decision and declined to comment.

Fanjul's attorney, Ken Brown, didn't return phone calls Thursday.

Fanjul, 47, had been on unpaid administrative leave since he was removed from West High School in September, 2008. He was acquitted of all criminal charges June 5, 2009.

Marco Herrera, 54, a counselor at West High, is in prison after he pleaded guilty to engaging in illegal sexual activity with the same West High female student in 2007.

Salt Lake School District put Fanjul on paid administrative leave Aug. 31, 2009 while district officials continued their investigation. Fanjul resigned from the district Oct. 23, 2009 and therefore the district's investigation was discontinued.

Salt Lake District spokesman Jason Olsen said Thursday the district would not comment on Fanjul since he is no longer an employee of the district.

Lear said State Office of Education attorneys negotiated with Fanjul's attorney for a resolution much like a plea bargain.

After two years, Fanjul can apply for a teaching license reinstatement hearing. If he is granted a reinstatement, he would have to go through a number of steps to get his license again. These actions would include long-term frequent counseling with a clinical psychologist, his presenting a plan detailing how he would refrain from teacher misconduct and submitting to a background check, Lear said.