Inappropriate photo draws 10-day teacher suspension

2/26/2004

A Leverette Junior High School teacher was suspended without pay for 10 days after he gave a female student a picture of his crotch, district officials said.

Kenneth Crosley, 33, teaches social studies. He started with the district in 1997 as a substitute, eventually becoming a classroom teacher, according to Toledo Public Schools records.

His suspension began Feb. 16 and continues until the end of this week, according to records.

“It was for an inappropriate action that he did,” said Clinton Faulkner, executive assistant to the superintendent for human resources. “He took a picture of his face and took a picture of his crotch area and said, Show your parents this. He was clothed.”

Chief of Staff Sheila Austin said the suspension is part of progressive discipline for Mr. Crosley. “Anything further will result in immediate termination,” she said.

According to district records, Mr. Crosley showed a junior high class an R-rated film in 2001, a violation of district policy.

According to a memorandum of understanding between the Toledo Federation of Teachers and the district regarding Mr. Crosley s discipline hearing on the matter, papers related to the hearing will be removed from his personnel file.

Mr. Crosley also agreed not to appeal his suspension to a court or governmental agency. He also agreed not to repeat the behavior.