Santa Cruz teacher put on leave during police probe
A Westlake Elementary teacher has been placed on paid administrative leave after "inappropriate content" was found on a school laptop in January, according to a letter sent to parents Thursday.
Principal Clyde Curley told parents the computer was turned over to Santa Cruz police, who are conducting an investigation but have made no arrest. The letter does not identify the teacher.
"Once it was determined that no students had been victimized or were immediately in harm's way, the police had requested that we not communicate about this matter until now," Curley wrote. "We will continue to assist the police in any way that we can, and we appreciate the support they have given to our school to ensure student safety."
Police Chief Kevin Vogel confirmed an investigation is under way but said the department cannot release more details now "to maintain the integrity of the investigation to achieve a successful prosecution."
Vogel further said, "We don't believe any Westlake children are currently in danger nor are they the subject of these images found on the computer."
Curley stressed in his letter that paid leave is "not disciplinary in nature, and should not be viewed as judgment regarding an employee." He said another teacher will fill in for the rest of the school year.