Sacred Hearts teacher fired over ‘inappropriate behavior’

Sacred Hearts Academy, an all-girls Catholic school in Kaimuki, has fired a teacher after two high school students reported “inappropriate behavior,” according to a letter sent to alumnae Friday.

“We immediately investigated and dismissed the teacher on the same day the incidents were reported,” Betty White, head of school, said in the letter. “We notified authorities, and the parents filed a police report. This is now a police matter, and we are fully cooperating with the investigation. We acted quickly and deliberately in responding to our students, who were very courageous in reporting the inappropriate behavior of this teacher.”

White went on to say that the school, which encompasses preschool through 12th grade, must still do more to protect students.

“Required criminal background checks and interviews with previous employers do not always give the full picture of a potential employee,” she added, citing a soon-to-be-released report by the National Association of Independent Schools that will provide recommendations on ways independent schools can be “even more proactive in preventing and addressing educator sexual misconduct.”

Sacred Hearts, which has 865 students, is immediately requiring training for staff as well as a workshop for parents by the Sex Abuse Treatment Center, White said, adding that the school is also establishing its own committee on sexual abuse.

In 2013 the school fired a longtime male teacher, William Plourde, for sexually assaulting a 15-year-old student. He pleaded guilty and was sentenced to a year in prison.

The Honolulu Police Department confirmed that it is investigating two cases involving Sacred Hearts Academy but declined to provide further details. No arrest has been made. White did not respond to Honolulu Star-Advertiser requests for further comment.