On April 25, the Cuyahoga County Grand Jury indicted Shaker Heights High School teacher Timothy Mitchell on a sexual battery charge.
Mr. Mitchell has been on paid administrative leave since February 16, when Shaker Heights Police informed us that they had launched an investigation of Mr. Mitchell after receiving a complaint. While we cannot discuss specifics of the case, we know that it involves allegations of an off-campus incident from the mid-1990s.
As soon as we learned about the complaint, we placed Mr. Mitchell on leave and instructed him to have no contact with our students or anyone else in the school community pending the outcome of the legal process. That is in keeping with our policies and procedures and the SHTA collective bargaining agreement. The District is reviewing its legal obligations given this indictment and will take any steps necessary. We have fully cooperated with police throughout their investigation.
The charges brought against Mr. Mitchell today are serious and are very troubling. Making sure our students and staff are protected is a top priority.
We want to do everything we can to ensure our students’ safety, and to nurture an open learning environment in which students feel empowered to report any and all concerns about inappropriate behavior. We encourage our students to approach an adult – a teacher, counselor or any trusted employee – whenever an uncomfortable situation arises. It is our policy to immediately report any suspicious activity to the proper authorities.
We will have counselors, psychologists, nurses and staff available for any student who needs or wants assistance.