Page 16 - The Edge - Fall 2017

SUMMER CONFERENCE WRAPUP

BY DON HARRIS

Tips on How to Conduct an Investigation

of an Employee Suspected of Misconduct

Denise Lowell-Britt

Properly conducting an employee investigation is a lot like a or member of the community and may involve direct observations
putting a puzzle together, an attorney told AASBO members in a by a sta member, reports by witnesses, or anonymous complaints,
breakout session during the Summer Conference and Expo. especially if the issue involves student or sta safety.
“You have lots of people and lots of pieces to tell the story about “Every year educate supervisors, employees and students to
what happened,” said Denise Lowell-Britt, an attorney with Udall/ help them understand district expectations and how to recognize,
Shumway PLC, a law rm based in Mesa. document and report inappropriate conduct, such as harassment
In conducting an investigation of alleged employee misconduct, and bullying,” Lowell-Britt said. “You would think it’s common
schools must maintain high standards and comply with the federal sense, but not for some people. By educating them, they can’t say
and state Constitutions and laws. they didn’t know. And it puts you in a better position to follow up.
“It’s important that you are not just being perceived as fair and It’s important that you know your own policies.”
impartial, but that you are being fair and impartial,” Lowell-Britt Ensure whoever is responsible for investigating is trained to
said. “Treat people with respect and dignity. Maintain a judicial do it and to act promptly. In addition, the district should notify
demeanor.” legal counsel if it receives a complaint notice from the EEOC or
Situations that prompt the need for an investigation might be
verbal or written complaints from a student, sta member, parent CONTINUED ON PAGE 17

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