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Scottsdale Unified School District No Dream Too Big . . . No Challenge Too Great |
| Education Center 3811 North 44th Street Phoenix, Arizona 85018 |
Telephone: 480-484-6100 FAX: 480-484-6286 Web site: www.susd.org |
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NEWS and INFORMATION |
| Governing Board terminates
two teachers
The Governing Board voted 5-0 Tuesday night to adopt statements of charges against two teachers, which has the effect of terminating their employment with the District. The action was taken in regard to Todd Miller, a teacher at Desert Mountain High School, and David Renaud, a teacher at Cherokee Elementary School. According to state law, both teachers have 30 days from the date of receiving their copy of the statement of charges to request a hearing. During this period, they continue to be on paid administrative leave. A statement of charges identifies specific policies, regulations, and statutes that the administration believes have been violated by an employee. It also provides supporting documentation and specific facts that warrant good and just cause for termination. Mr. Miller brought a loaded weapon and drug paraphernalia, among other things, onto school property in violation of state law and District policies. He was arrested and charged with various violations of state law, and later released. At the time he came to campus with these items, Mr. Miller was on administrative leave pending an investigation of him on unrelated matters. The District also took immediate action to obtain an injunction against him prohibiting his presence on any school property or any harassing behavior of employees or students. Mr. Renaud has been arrested and charged with child molestation, aggravated assault, sexual abuse, sexual exploitation of a minor, and kidnapping in connection with various students and other minors. According to police records, he has admitted to certain conduct. The District is currently investigating all circumstances related in any way to Mr. Renaud's conduct. "The District has moved for termination of both these individuals because of the clear danger they present to students and employees," said Kim Cumby, executive director of Human Resource Services. "The District will not hesitate to take this type of forceful action against any employee as soon as the District is made aware of conduct that warrants discharge. These are precisely such instances." The Legislature has by statute required that teachers receive certain due process rights upon dismissal. The District is obligated to and therefore will follow those statutory requirements. To the extent on these factual records that either teacher appeals their termination, the District will aggressively pursue their terminations while at the same time affording them their due process rights as required by law. # |