Counselors Helping Kids Cope As Oakland Classroom Sex Scandal Unfolds
OAKLAND (KCBS/BCN) - Counselors were expected at Oakland's Markham Elementary School Monday, following last week's allegations of sex acts in a second grade classroom.
KCBS' Tim Ryan Reports:
"We are taking every step to ensure the safety and well-being of the kids and so they are going through a very structured interview process," explained Oakland Unified School District's superintendent, Tony Smith.
The explosive allegations were that a boy and girl engaged in oral sex in the classroom, while the teacher was in the room and as classmates looked on.
Reportedly, days earlier, some students had stripped off their clothing in the same classroom.
"Sometimes we can sensationalize," warned Smith. "It's really important to understand what really what did happen and we're paying close attention to that and doing a deep investigation. So, I think we are still in the investigation phase."
The teacher, whose name has not been released, remained on paid leave while school officials investigated.
"There's a very specific protocol and I don't want to get into too much detail and it's important that people know that the children are being really well cared for."
Smith did reveal that counselors would be on campus to help students cope.
"To really understand what did happen, what's going on, so we can give the kids everything that they need."
Markham Elementary, at 7220 Krause Ave., serves students in kindergarten through fifth-grade. The second-grade class in question has 20 students, Flint said.
As soon as the incident was reported, Booker informed the parents, contacted school district officials, and mental health workers were sent to the school, he said.
Oakland police spokeswoman Holly Joshi said the Police Department will be assisting the school district in the investigation.
(© 2011 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. Bay City News contributed to this report.)
