From the editors: Year-long Herald-Leader investigation examines sexual misconduct in schools

This week, the Herald-Leader is publishing an investigative series on teacher certifications in Kentucky, the reasons they are suspended or revoked by state agencies, and the lack of training and accountability around spotting possible abuse or sexual misconduct in school systems.

The findings of the investigation, especially the number of cases of sexual misconduct that led to teachers losing or giving up their licenses, are “alarming,” said one veteran Kentucky prosecutor who has decades of experience prosecuting child sexual abuse cases. “If kids aren’t safe at school, where can they be safe?”

The series is a year in the making, driven by Herald-Leader journalists Beth Musgrave and Valarie Honeycutt Spears, and edited by Breaking News Editor Jeremy Chisenhall, Managing Editor Lauren Gorla and Editor Peter Baniak. Photos and videos for these articles were produced by visual journalists Marcus Dorsey and Ryan Hermens, as well as Senior Deputy Editor Brian Simms.

Since the summer of 2021, Beth and Valarie have spent hundreds of hours compiling records and documenting Kentucky teachers whose teaching licenses were voluntarily surrendered, suspended or revoked from 2016 to 2021. Those records were provided by the Kentucky Education Professional Standards Board in response to requests filed by the Herald-Leader under the state’s Open Records statutes. In 2021, former Deputy Editor Deedra Lawhead was instrumental in setting up the database for tracking what turned out to be hundreds of cases.

The reporters combed through court records and recordings, interviewed stakeholders, experts and victims and looked at other states for solutions in how they handle sexual misconduct involving teachers and students to see what lessons Kentucky can learn.

This is a serious, important topic, and we have worked to balance the need for clear, precise reporting with sensitivity to the victims in these cases. The Herald-Leader does not name victims of sexual abuse, but we also realize the importance of what those victims have to say about the impact these cases have on their lives. For this series, we worked directly with one victim to anonymously tell their very personal story of ongoing trauma.

Some of the reporting included in the series may prove to be uncomfortable reading, especially for those who have dealt with or are survivors of sexual abuse. That’s why we’re warning readers in advance of publishing these articles, many of which are reported directly from records detailing these events.

If you are a victim of sexual abuse and want to know more about how to get help or how to report abuse go to the Rape, Abuse, Incest National Network’s website at www.rainn.org, or call the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 800-656-HOPE.

Peter Baniak, editor, and Lauren Gorla, managing editor.

This story was originally published September 26, 2022 at 11:30 AM.