The Bainbridge Island School District has responded swiftly to news of yesterday’s (May 7) arrest of Jessica Fuchs, a Biology teacher at Bainbridge High School, for sexual misconduct with a minor. BISD Superintendent Faith Chapel wrote to the community last night, “It saddens me to be reporting this news. We know this is an unsettling, deeply disturbing situation for all of us, especially for the student and his family.”
Chapel explained that “Because the safety of our students is our top priority,” upon learning about the allegations “we placed Ms. Fuchs on administrative leave and provided our full cooperation to the police during their investigation.” BISD placed her on leave on February 24, immediately after an Associate Principal became suspicious about misconduct. After speaking with the mother of the alleged victim, the Associate Principal dialed 911 and informed police, on February 25.
Chapel said Fuchs will remain on administrative leave for the remainder of the year. She added that “The district will continue to conduct an internal investigation” of its own.
BISD Communications Specialist Galen Crawford also sent out an e-mail to the community yesterday in which she wrote, “The district hired Fuchs last September to teach science. The 2007 graduate of Bainbridge High School received a full background screen and did not have a criminal record.”
Yesterday, BHS Principal Mary Alice O’Neill wrote to the community as well, saying, “We understand the sad and unsettling nature of the allegations and resulting arrest. We want you and your student to feel the environment at BHS supports their physical, and emotional safety, as well as academic growth.” O’Neill said the school was making counselors and staff “available to help support our students.”
Parents with concerns are encouraged to contact the district’s Title IX Officer Dr. Peter Knudsen at pbangknudsen@bisd303.org or 206-780-1072.
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Photo by Julie Hall.
