State Board Of Education Issues Order Finding Forrest City Superintendent Violated Ethics Standards By Failing To Report Child Maltreatment.

On July 10^th the Professional Licensure Standards Board Ethics Subcommittee presented their findings to the State Board of Education that Forrest City Superintendent Tiffany Hardick violated Educator Ethics standards 2 & 3.

According to the order, the violations stem from Hardrick failing in her obligations as a mandated reporter of possible child maltreatment.

AR Code 12–18–402. Mandated reporters states –

(a) An individual listed as a mandated reporter under subsection (b) of this section shall immediately notify the Child Abuse Hotline if he or she:

(1) Has reasonable cause to suspect that a child has:

(A) Been subjected to child maltreatment;

(B) Died as a result of child maltreatment; or

(C) Died suddenly and unexpectedly; or

(2) Observes a child being subjected to conditions or circumstances that would reasonably result in child maltreatment.

The criminal penalty for violating AR Code 12-18-402 in the 1^st degree is a Class A Misdemeanor and in the 2^nd degree a Class C Misdemeanor.

Hardrick could have requested a hearing to dispute the findings, however instead she chose to accept them.

Based on that, along with the evidence presented, the State Board found Hardrick exhibited inappropriate disposition inclusive of professional and ethical behavior along with violating district, state or federal policies or laws by failing to report.

Hardrick’s License was put on probation for six months. She was also assessed a $250.00 fine along with being ordered to complete a host of course work and readings.

Because Hardrick chose not to dispute the findings, the records supporting the Board’s order are exempt under the law….One has to wonder if that factored into Hardrick’s decision.

Hardrick has a history of violating State law and Policies that the Forrest City School Board has chosen to ignore….Will they ignore this as well ?….If history is an indication, then that answer is yes.

#FactsNotFiction

Jimmie Cavin

Professional Bully Fighter I investigate and report on issues around the State of Arkansas with an emphasis on Government. I am strong conservative however I bring Truth and Facts regardless of Party affiliation….My hashtag is #FactsNotFiction