The Hastings Area School System has released the following statement from Superintendent Carrie Duits office: The Board of Education and the administration of the Hastings Public Schools realize that Stephen Merring was found not guilty of indecent exposure in a criminal trial on October 13, 2014. We understand that the burden of proof in a criminal trial is beyond a reasonable doubt, whereas for tenure charges, which would be similar to a civil trial, the burden of proof is by a preponderance of evidence. With the criminal proceedings completed, the school district, which has the responsibility for the care of children, conducted our own investigation to determine whether there was a preponderance of evidence that Mr. Merring engaged in the alleged off-campus misconduct, and, if so, what effect that misconduct has the operation of the Hastings Public Schools. We have completed further interviews, monitored public reaction, and several administrators along with the Board of Education President attended the trial to hear the testimony of what occurred. As a result of our own investigation, we believe that there is a preponderance of the evidence that Mr. Merring engaged in behavior that has adversely affected his ability to teach effectively at the Hastings Public Schools and has harmed the reputation of the school district, thereby resulting in sufficient and legitimate reasons to file tenure charges against him.
Posted on: Wed, 17 Dec 2014 11:28:37 +0000
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